Phillip George Cleppe

Phillip “Phil” Cleppe, born March 20, 1935, to Carl and Mary Cleppe in West Allis, WI, passed away on November 29, 2023. Phil moved to Texas in 1982 and resided in Grapevine, Texas until his death. He is survived by sister, Mag (Ken) Schaefer, brother, Bernie (Karen) Cleppe; Children—Jerry (Lynn) Cleppe, Karen Woelfel, Tom (Nancy) Cleppe, Kathy (Tony) Hanley, grandchildren; three stepchildren and their families; and nephews.
Phil was proud of his lifelong career as an electrician, which is what sent him to Texas (that and he was tired of the cold weather in Wisconsin!) His passion, skill and ability in the field urged him to start his own business…Phil Controls. He had tools and computer panels all over the house, the garage, the shed, and his vehicle. In his spare time, he and Jane traveled. They loved to explore off the beaten path to find the more economical place to eat and drink. They loved to meet to people and make new friends. When Jane’s health kept her from being his travel companion, he stayed close to home and found a great camaraderie and friendships in the VFW Post in Grapevine. He would often run errands and stop in to say “hi” and sample the lunch. The people he met there gave him life, purpose, and spot to feel at home. Anytime family came to visit him from out of state a trip to the “V” was always on the agenda.
Phil was a talented man and skilled at all he learned to do. He led a full life and truly experienced it…camping, fishing, hunting, sailing, sewing, building, remodeling, repairing, gardening, painting, volunteer firefighting, themed neighborhood gathering, entertaining, and so much more.
Phil was an invested father, and not to only his own children, but also to the kids that lived in the neighborhood, to the Boy Scout Troop that the he led, and to the kids that Jane brought into their marriage.
Phil shared what he knew and was a great teacher by example his whole life. Those of us who knew him have stories, thoughts, products, skills, and memories of how he touched our lives and left us with something special just from him.
Dad, Brother, Husband, Grandpa, Uncle, Brother-in-law, Cousin, Friend, Neighbor, and Beloved Son, Phil—May the love that you demonstrated here on earth be reason for a swift ascent to heaven!

Visitation: Saturday, Dec. 16th at 2pm at Lucas Funeral Home
Memorial Service: Saturday, Dec. 16th at 3pm at Lucas Funeral Home
Celebration of Life following services at the Grapevine VFW