Philip Wayne Gregory

Philip Wayne Gregory was born November 12, 1919 in Rising City, Nebraska to Arbell S. and George Patrick Gregory. He passed away on February 20, 2007 in Deshler, NE. at the age of 87 years, 3 months and 8 days.

Phil lived in Rising City with his family until the age of five when they moved to Hubbell, NE. He attended school in Hubbell graduating in 1937. He then attended Hebron Jr. College graduating in 1939 and Doane College graduating in 1941. He attended graduate school at the University of Nebraska and received a teaching degree. Phil played basketball in high school and in college in Hebron and Crete, NE.

Phil taught school in Tilden, NE until World War II broke out. He enlisted in the Air Force and became a bombardier pilot instructor. He was stationed at various bases during the war. When the war ended, he taught and coached basketball at Deshler High School. He was recalled into the Air Force during the Korean War and acquired the rank of Captain.

When the war ended he returned to teaching in Deshler and Hebron. After teaching, Phil worked in the Sinclair Station in Deshler and at Reinke Manufacturing Co. until retiring in 1982.

While in the service, Phil married his high school sweetheart, June Marhenke, on May 9, 1942. They had two children, Jerry and Judy. They were married 66 years and Phil always said “plus we dated several years before that”. He and June enjoyed camping and took many camping trips to Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Tennessee and Alaska, many of which were accompanied by his children and grandchildren.

Phil always enjoyed working with children as a teacher, coach, Boy Scout leader, father and grandfather. He and June were avid followers of the school activities, especially the sporting events of the Deshler Dragons and his grandchildren. He was also a big Husker fan. Phil also enjoyed fishing and doing woodworking.

Phil was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Deshler, where he was an active member of the session. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 352 in Deshler and the Fairbury Elks Club.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, February 26, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Hebron, Nebraska with Pastor Julie Sterling officiating.