Philip Francis Grant

Philip Francis Grant, 92, passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at his home in Pocatello following a brief illness. His oldest and youngest daughters and a close relative were at his side.

Phil was born in Calais, Maine on April 9, 1919. He was the first child and only son of Leonard and Edythe McCarthy Grant. He was followed by three sisters, Hilda, Marian and Betty. The siblings grew up in Calais, Bangor and Mattawamkeag, Maine, where Phil graduated from high school in 1936. Phil enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1938. He transferred from the Army to the U.S. Air Force in 1947. It was the Air Force that became his career. When asked what type of plane he flew, he always replied “I flew a desk” as most of his work was in administration. Phil retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 1964 after 26 years of service to our country. He saw active service in World War II (France and Germany) and Korea and was stationed in many bases overseas and in the states. He had many military stories but one very special memory for him was in 1954 when his Cub Scout pack that included his two sons greeted President Eisenhower Mitchell Air Force Base in New York. Phil met and married Florence Mann in Howland, Maine, on December 17, 1941. They had four children: Darylann, Philip Jr., Duane and Jacqueline. They later divorced. Phil met and married Marguerite Roberts in 1961. Together they had one daughter, Laura. Phil and Marguerite moved from Shreveport, LA in 1964 to Lava Hot Springs, ID, which they made their home for 43 years.

Phil kept very active after retirement volunteering for various organizations: Lava Hot Springs City Council, Bannock County Planning and Zoning, Lions Club, St. Mary's Catholic Parish Council and the Disabled American Veterans. He and Marguerite loved to travel and were able to visit many exciting ports of call: Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean Islands and most of the United States, Mexico and Canada. They became snowbirds in their later years and spent many winters in Las Vegas, NV and El Centro, CA. Phil and Marguerite moved to Pocatello in 2007 to be closer to their daughter, Laura.

Phil was the first of his siblings to leave this earth. He is survived by his three sisters and one brother-in-law. He was able to see all of them in May, 2011, to celebrate one sister's 90th birthday. Phil is also survived by his five children; Darylann Barker (Bruce-deceased) of Gainesville, GA, Philip Jr. (Nancy) of Fuquay Varina, N.C ., Duane (Ellen) of Calabash, N.C., Jacqueline Malone (Gary-deceased) of Chapin, S.C., and Laura (Kim) McKnight of Pocatello; 13 grand children and 29 great grand children.

Phil was preceded in death by his dear wife, Marguerite, and his grandson, Patrick McKnight who died 6 weeks apart in the spring of 2010. They have been patiently waiting for Phil to join them in heaven and be with the Lord for eternity.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Patrick John McKnight Memorial Music Scholarship, which Phil was instrumental in creating. Checks can be made out and mailed to the ISU Foundation (with Patrick McKnight Scholarship written in the memo line) 921 South 8th Ave, Stop 8050, Pocatello, ID 83209-8050.

Service information will be posted under the "Service Schedule" tab.

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