Philip B. Tesh

Philip Bruce Tesh 2/18/1943 " 2/27/2010 Phil Tesh, 67, was born to Bruce and Flora Lee Payne Tesh of Winston-Salem and Mount Airy, NC and died from lung cancer at his home in Louisburg, KS. After high school in Winston-Salem, Phil entered basic training with the Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC. During his 20 year career in the Marines, he served tours of duty with MCAS, El Toro, CA; MCAS, Cherry Point, NC; MCAS, Iwakuni, Japan; 3rd Force SSG, Okinawa; MAG-11, Vietnam; and as a Drill Instructor at MCRD, San Diego, CA. His last assignment before retirement was 1st Sgt at the ITS at Camp Pendleton, CA. His awards included the Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal with one silver star. He earned his A.A. Degree in Real Estate and also worked for the Navy in Ordnance Supply in San Diego where he was an AFGE Union officer for many years. Phil was a frequent guest lecturer, specializing in the Civil War, to history classes at San Ysidro Middle School where he often dressed in Confederate uniform and entered the room with a huge rebel yell. In addition, he worked with the Associated Student Body, raising funds and promoting school spirit activities. He retired with his wife Marilyn in 2006 and moved from Chula Vista, CA, to Louisburg, KS. He was an active member of the USMC Drill Instructor"s Association and the Louisburg Lions Club. He also conducted a successful eBay antique business called Mom and Pops Treasures and ran popular "Mantique" booths in local antique malls where he specialized in historic and military memorabilia and articles of interest to men who accompany their wives on antique hunts. Phil (Pops) Tesh will always be remembered for his sense of humor, Southern colloquialisms and willingness to help his friends and community whenever possible. He was a loving patriarch who treasured family gatherings, especially the Fourth of July when he celebrated with a huge backyard fireworks display. Phil is survived by his wife Marilyn of Louisburg, KS, son David Tappan and wife Jackie of Louisburg, daughter Blythe Bayliff and husband Glen of Poway, CA, grandchildren Carson and Gabrielle Tappan, sister Linda Tesh Klane of Woodland Hills, CA, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He was especially close to cousins Pat Tesh of Clemmons, NC and Craig and Jane Tesh of Mount Airy, NC and grand-nieces Maxine and Liza Klane of Los Angeles, CA. Memorial Services will be held at Penwell-Gabel Louisburg Chapel on Saturday, March 6th, with Visitation from 2:00 " 3:00 p.m. and Memorial Service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Phil"s ashes will be interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego later this year. The family requests that remembrances be directed to The Louisburg Lions Club (913- 837-5255), Salvation Army or Toys for Tots.