Ormand K. Philson

Ormand K. Philson, 91, died around 1 a.m. MDT August 15, 2011 in Autumn Glow Nursing Home at Rio Rancho, NM He was born on November 8, 1919 in Harlan, Iowa to Grover and Zella Philson. He was the second of five children. In childhood, he was stricken with a debilitating bone disease that caused him to spend 8 months in a body cast. After graduating from Harlan High School, he attended Iowa Sate Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa for a year. After that year, he enlisted in the Army, where he served in the Signal Corps. While stationed in Little Rock, Arkansas, he met his future wife in the Western Union Office. They were married in Little Rock, Arkansas in Louise's parents' home. Upon returning to the United States in 1946, he returned to Cedar Falls and Iowa State Teachers College for another year. He earned a teaching certificate. He then enrolled at the university of Texas at Austin and earned a degree in engineering. Most of his engineering career was spent working as a civilian for Department of Defense. After his retirement, he and Louise moved to Longview, Texas where they lived for 18 years. During this time, they traveled extensively. In 2004, they moved to Rio Rancho, NM, to be near their younger daughter and her husband. Phil is survived by his wife of 69 years, Louise Murdock Philson, two daughters, Renee Philson Hunter(Kenneth) of Conway, Arkansas and Sharon Philson Arlett (Richard) of Rio Rancho, NM; three grandchildren, Shannon Hunter Bloyder (Joe) of Billings, Montana, Dendra Hunter Massa (Steve) of Conway, Arkansas and Arden Arlett Jump (Jay) of Oberstaufenbach, Germany; two step grandchildren, Randall Dean Arlett (Megan) of Leesburg, Virginia and Stephen Richard Arlett of Alameda, California; sixteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Louree Clem of Kirkwood, Missouri and Doy Slay (Dick) of Melbourne, Florida; and two brothers, Dean Philson (Darlene) or Sun City Center, Florida and Arland Philson (Marye) of Carrolton, Texas. Ormand's care has been entrusted to:
Daniels Family Funeral Services
2400 Southern Blvd
Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 87124
505-891-9192