Melvin Phillips Jr.

Melvin Eugene Phillips, Jr. passed away on July 10, 2024 after a long and dogged fight against pancreatic cancer. He was 78 years old.

Mel was born on November 13, 1945 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Melvin and Alvina Phillips before they moved to Amarillo, Texas. He attended Amarillo High School and Amarillo College before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Government. He was active with his fraternity and in student government. While at the University of Texas he met his future wife, Rebecca Ann Bentsen (Becky). They were married on December 20, 1969 at the First Presbyterian Church of McAllen. 

After graduation, Mel was commissioned by the United States Navy becoming a Designated Naval Aviator. He and Becky lived in Florida, Virginia, and Texas during his service. After his honorable discharge, they moved to Colorado to begin his career in real estate and investing. The couple settled in Amarillo in 1973. Mel engaged in numerous political activities, including as a candidate for State Senate, the Texas campaign manager for multiple presidential campaigns, a member of the Civilian Aviation Commission, and Chairman of the Texas Aeronautics Commission. 

Mel was deeply involved in the fishing and hunting community and sought to encourage outdoor activities for all. He hosted a radio show for over 30 years that highlighted the sporting opportunities in the Texas Panhandle and wrote a column for the Amarillo Globe News. For years, Mel organized the Outdoor World show at the Amarillo Civic Center, showcasing the outdoor businesses and organizations of the Panhandle and beyond. Mel hosted fishing tournaments at lakes across the Texas Panhandle and enjoyed this time on the water with cherished friends. He served on the Partners in Palo Duro Canyon Foundation Board, seeking to preserve this cherished Texas landscape. He deeply believed in the value of the outdoors and the need for people to be able to connect, enjoy, and benefit from time outside and on public lands. 

Later in life, Mel became a dedicated and enthusiastic rancher. At their ranch outside of Hedley, Texas, he raised a herd of Wagyu cattle and enjoyed having his grandchildren visit to learn about ranching and hunting. He was grateful for every opportunity to spend time outdoors with his grandchildren. Being at the ranch with his hunting dog, Gunner, was his favorite pastime. Gunner is now cared for by his youngest daughter, Lauren. 

Mel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rebecca Ann Bentsen Phillips; daughter Abigail Elizabeth Phillips Hinga and her husband Sean; daughter Catherine Colbath Phillips Carrico and her husband Kevin; daughter Lauren Rebecca Phillips; and his grandchildren James Phillips Hinga, Maeve Bentsen Hinga, Cora Colbath Carrico, and Claire McLean Carrico. 

A private funeral service will be held for family and friends at the Goodnight Cemetery. A reception in Amarillo will be hosted after the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.