Philip Lee Pestinger

Philip Lee Pestinger, 87, passed away September 16, 2013 peacefully at his home. Visitation will be September 26, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS on September 27, 2013 at 11:00AM. Rev. Dr. Peter A. Luckey will officiate the service.
Born Philip Lee Pestinger, February 16, 1926 in Crisfield, KS to Fredrick and Myrtle (O’Leary) Pestinger. He attended Anthony High School where he played in every sport (football center & basketball guard) played in the band, participated in theater and was Senior Class President. Upon graduation he was drafted into the Army where he joined the 88th Chemical Company as a radio operator, discharged April 15, 1946.
Went on to college on a GI Bill: Phil had talked with “Phog” Allen to come and try out at KU. When he couldn’t find housing and couldn’t afford a motel room, he landed a basketball scholarship at Southwestern College where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Teacher’s education 1950. He went on to teach and coach at: Sawyer KS; Vermillion KS; Piper KS and ended up in Lawrence, KS, where he taught and was a counselor until his retirement in 1987. Phil worked on the Chain Crew at KU’s home football games for 31 years and was an avid golfer.
Married Rheta Kimball in 1954. Rheta passed away from breast cancer in 2001. He remarried in 2011 to Rosie Miller.
Phil is survived by his wife Rosie, two daughters Kim (Tracy Cook) Derby, KS. Joyce Marsh (Dave Droge) Princeton, KS. Son Jay (Sara Pestinger) Overland Park, KS. Six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and 3 step sons (all of Wichita).
Phil LOVED to dance and entertained many with his jitterbug!! Dad, we know you are dancing on God’s ballroom floor…… dance on and on!!!
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Plymouth Congregational Church. Online condolences at rumsey-yost.com.