Phillip Carruthers Glass

Phillip Carruthers Glass was born September 16th, 1940 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky to William F. and Martha M. Glass. Phillip professed his faith in Christ at an early age and became a member of the First Street Baptist Church in Hopkinsville. After graduating from Attucks High School, Phillip enlisted in the US Army in 1958 where he was assigned to the corps of engineers as a heavy construction equipment operator. He served in Germany, South Korea, Vietnam and several stateside locations including Fort Bliss, Texas. Towards the end of his military career Phillip served as a battalion race relations NCOIC. After serving more than 20 years in the army he retired from the military in 1978 at which time he became a lifetime member of American Legion Post 36. Upon retirement from the military Phillip gained employment with U-Haul Rentals eventually becoming president of the El Paso U-Haul Service Center. Because of an intense desire to become a business owner himself, Phillip left U-Haul after approximately three years and became owner/operator of Phillip’s Carpet Cleaners until permanently retiring in 1988 for health reasons. Phillip wore many hats over the years as he ascended to his place as patriarch of the Glass family. He was a role and mentor for his youngest brother who followed his lead by joining the army over a decade later. Phillip became a surrogate grandfather to his nieces and nephews. He always was the voice of reason and maintained a sympathetic ear for not only members of his family but anyone who sought his counsel. An avid pinochle player, his infectious laugh, quick wit, and thought provoking humor were qualities that endeared him to all his family and many friends. Phillip leaves behind a devoted wife of 34 years, Neomi B. Glass, two sons from a previous marriage, Phillip W. Glass (Elisabeth), Killeen TX, Jerry D. Glass (Pam), Cedar Hill, TX one sister, Barbara G. Glass, Los Angeles, CA, two brothers, Karl W. Glass (Carmen), Indianapolis, IN, Arnold D. Glass (Andrea), Flossmoor, IL, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home-East, 750 N. Carolina. Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at Visitors Chapel AME Church, 518 N. Estrella. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-East.