Phillip Andrew Eby (1994-2025)

Phillip Andrew Eby, 31, went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2025.

Phillip was born in Houston, Texas, on January 29, 1994, to Brian and Bethlyn Eby, and he moved to Wichita Falls, Texas in March 1995. He served with distinction as the middle brother and best friend to his siblings Emily and Claire. Phillip attended Fain Elementary, Zundy Leadership Academy, and graduated third in his class from Wichita Falls High School in 2012. Phillip achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and National Merit Commended Scholar. He majored in Economics at Oklahoma State University, where he participated in student government and won an award for policy writing. He was a lifelong camper and counselor at Kanakuk camps, and a beloved leader at Stillwater K-Life.

As an adult, Phillip moved to Washington DC. He spent years as a bartender–making friends with seemingly every resident of DC–before moving into Diplomatic Security at the Department of State. In 2020, Phillip joined the United States Army. He proudly served as a Staff Sergeant with the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade, working as a Signals Collector Analyst out of the National Security Agency. He was pursuing his Masters degree in Security Policy Studies at George Washington University. In 2022, Phillip met the love of his life, Taylor Catlett. On April 14, 2025, Phillip asked Taylor to marry him. She said yes, and (as Phil said) they had the best night celebrating with all their friends.

Phillip was a protector. He had a strong sense of justice that made him kinder to the people who needed it most. Bullied kids, overworked waiters, and nervous newcomers always had a champion in Phil. Phil was incredibly intelligent, and a real history buff. He always made space for big ideas, as long as they were rooted in compassion. When you said something to Phillip, he really thought about it (and might even come talk to you about it later, after you'd forgotten that you'd said it). He loved to read, especially enjoying Leaves of Grass and Lord of the Rings. Philly was a great performer, from Gavroche in Les Miserables to Edmund in the Chronicles of Narnia to multiple choirs to whatever skit character would make campers–and counselors–laugh. He loved seeing live music with Taylor and his friends. He was a beautiful and enthusiastic canvas for his favorite tattoo artists. He was a competitive game player and relentless puzzler. If you had a good heart and you did your best, Phil would respect you and call you friend.

In death, Phillip goes to meet his grandparents Jim and Mada Killen, his grandparents Jimmy and Ann Eby, his great-grandparents Dub and Lillie Wright, and his uncle Jeff Sotier. In life, Phillip's love continues through his fiancé Taylor Catlett, his parents Brian and Bethlyn Eby, his siblings Emily French and Claire Eby and his brother-in-law Mike French, his grandmother Doris Eby, and his dogs Sadie and Lassie. He also lives on through his many beloved friends, including honorary pallbearers Shane Spruiell, Jared Mohler, Finn Gallagher, Dustin Hanks, Garrett Hausemann, Jack McDowell, and Anne Pelchat.

Phillip's funeral services will be on Monday, June 16th. Burial will take place at 11:00 AM at Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery, 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302. Memorial services will follow at 1:00 PM at Grace Church Chapel, 5214 Stone Lake Drive, Wichita Falls, TX with Reggie Coe officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

Donations may be made in Phillip's honor to a charity that reminds you of him. The family's suggestions include: the Wichita Falls Independent School District Foundation (https://wfisd.networkforgood.com/ or by mail at PO Box 9850, Wichita Falls, TX 76308), the National Park Foundation (http://give.nationalparks.org/goto/phileby), Oklahoma State University Student Government Association (secure.osugiving.com/s/giving?dsgt=34-66270 or by mail at OSU Foundation, 400 S. Monroe, Stillwater, OK 74074, Memo Line: Student Government Association Fund), Young Life (http://WichitaFalls.younglife.org or by mail at 3505 Kemp St., Suite A, Wichita Falls, TX 76308), or Sharing Hope SC Organ and Tissue Recovery Services (sharinghopesc.org/make-a-gift/ or by mail at 2215 Henry Tecklenburg Drive, Charleston, SC 29414).