Philip Howard Watenpaugh was born July, 16 1931 in Sheridan, Wyoming and passed away October 3, 2012 in Grapevine, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Christy Ann; his sons, David and Don and their families.

Phil learned to fly in a plane he bought with a friend.

He entered the U.S. Air Force to become a military pilot. In Cadet school, Phil earned the nickname "Jesus Christ Watenpaugh" from his instructors' frequent exclamations during training flights. He became proficient in the F-86 Sabre Jet but the Korean War ended before he was sent.

Phil met wife-to-be, Christy Ann Smith through their parents while stationed in Texas, even though both of them were from Sheridan. They married in 1954 in Dallas.

Phil earned his BS in engineering at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

Son David was born in Moses Lake, Washington while Phil was stationed there.

The family moved to the DFW Metroplex in 1957 when Phil took a job with Vought Aircraft (then LTV), where he spent his entire civilian career.

Son Donald was born in 1959.

Among other projects, Phil was a key engineer in the development and evolution of the A-7 fighter/bomber. He was a charter member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Irving and very active in the church for many years.

Phil was beloved by family and friends for his strong values, good humor, broad skill set, keen insights, good cooking, and fatherly love.

The family will receive friends Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Restland Wildwood Chapel. The service will follow immediately at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Phil's name to the Republican Party or to the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, Casper, Wyoming.

The Sheridan Press - October 6, 2012.