Obit of Kierl Sr., Thomas Philip "Phil" - Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 5 Dec 2004 Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ========================================================================== Kierl Sr., Thomas Philip "Phil" Thomas Philip 'Phil' Kierl Sr., born on April 9, 1920 to Felix and Kate Kierl. Phil and his four sisters grew up in Scammon, Kansas. After graduation from Pittsburgh State University with a degree in Business, Phil enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942. Phil served in the Pacific Theatre and later saw action in the Korean War. Phil retired from active duty with the rank of Captain. He remained in the Naval Reserve and retired after 30 years of service to his country. Phil married the love of his life, Elizabeth Anne Brackett, on July 24, 1944. Together they had ten children to whom he was a devoted and loving father. Phil was an example to his family and friends by service to community in many capacities including being a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4601 of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, a volunteer coach and President of the School Board of both Rosary School and Bishop McGuinness High School. He was a volunteer pharmacy aide at Tinker Air Force Base and was a Board Member of the Infant of Prague Shrine. Phil was employed by Prudential Insurance Company of America for 32 years. He started his career in southeast Kansas as a Sales Agent and in 1957 was promoted to District Manager of the newly created Oklahoma City North Office. Phil loved spending time with his children, playing sports, competing and teaching. He combined all of these loves in 1969 when he started the first girl's basketball program in the city of Oklahoma City at Bishop McGuinness High School. Five of his seven daughters played for him during his thirteen years at McGuinness. Phil compiled a record of 211 wins and 99 losses. He produced 5 All State basketball players and numerous players who received All City honors. Phil was named Little All City Coach of the Year in 1977, 1979, and 1981. In 1982, Phil was honored as Oklahoma Girl's Basketball Coach of the Year. Due to Phil's efforts numerous girls who played for him received college basketball scholarships. Phil was more than a teacher of basketball, he taught the girls about life. In addition, Phil received many accolades for a course in ethics he taught at Bishop McGuinness High School. In 1986 Phil was inducted into the Oklahoma Girl's Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. His love of basketball was second only to his love of family and Notre Dame Football. All three of his sons graduated from his beloved Notre Dame. A strong proponent of education, all ten of his children graduated from college and many hold advanced degrees. Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Kate, his sister Genevieve and two sons Peter Francis and Stephen. Phil is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty of the home and his 10 children, Thomas Philip, Jr., and his wife Susan of Edmond, OK, Mary Elizabeth and husband John Latenser of Prairie Village, KS, Anne and husband Tom Murphy of Oklahoma City, Peter and wife Barbara of Edmond, OK, Patricia and husband Mike Milligan, Christine Kierl, Margaret Kierl, Michael and wife, Ann, Therese and husband Dan Allen, all of Oklahoma City, and Barbara and husband Jim Wheeler of Prairie Village, KS. Phil leaves 27 grand children, one grand daughter-in-law, and one great grandchild. Phil is also survived by his sisters Helen Neff of Shawnee Mission, KS, Hildred Pierson of Elk Grove, CA, and Kathleen and husband Ken Brock of Springdale, AR, as well as many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and nephews. Phil's faith, love of family and enthusiasm for life was an inspiration to everyone. We will miss you daddy. Wake services will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday, September 18, 2002. Both services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rosary School Endowment Fund, 1910 NW 19th, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 or to the Bishop McGuinness High School Girl's Basketball Program, 801 NW 50th, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. SMITH & KERNKE 1401 NW 23rd ST. Published in the Oklahoman on 9/16/2002. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html