Phil Chew

Phil Chew, age 74, passed peacefully on November 16, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Benedict Church. A lunch and time of visiting with the family will follow the mass at St. Joseph Church lower level. Private family burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be left to St. Benedict Catholic School in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom cremation care has been entrusted.

Phil was born on February 26, 1951, in Atchison, KS, the son of the late Charles Chew and Mary Beth (Botkin) Chew. He attended St. Benedict Catholic School, is a graduate of Maur Hill Prep and furthered his education at Highland Community College and Pitt State University.

Phil married Geraldine “Gere” Hager on April 8, 1972, at Sacred Heart Church in Atchison. They have been blessed with over fifty-three years of marriage, raising their family and making countless memories with their family and friends.

He began employment with Union Pacific Railroad, where he spent twenty-five years as a Switchmen and Yard Master. After retiring from UP, he spent several years at Farmers Insurance and 20 years at Wal-Mart where he encountered so many friends and was always available for good conversation. He was a lifelong member of St. Benedict Parish and formerly served as an usher.

Phil loved to keep busy and had many hobbies over the years. He enjoyed the many seasons of playing men’s softball on 8th and Riley, golfing at Pineview Country Club, and watching sports—especially when he was cheering on his children and grandchildren. He loved hopping on his mower while Gere did the trimming, attending car shows to support his grandsons, watching Jeopardy! or the History Channel, completing his daily crossword puzzle and, as of this summer, attending BINGO night, which we all enjoyed despite many winless evenings. Phil was also a great storyteller, always ready with a tale that brought laughter, memories, and connection to everyone around him.

It was fitting that Phil was assigned to be a greeter in Walmart’s garden department during the final months of his life. He knew how to grow things. He grew his marriage, his children and grandchildren. He grew lifelong friendships; he nurtured his relationships with coworkers at the Railroad and Walmart, and he grew smiles for every Walmart shopper who crossed his path.

Phil is survived by his wife Gere of their home; daughters, Jodi (Shannon) Trevino of Lenexa, KS, and Jill (Luke) Drury of Bonner Springs, KS; his brother, Charlie Chew of Ft. Collins, CO; two sisters, Melissa Chew Brothers of Leavenworth, KS, and Theresa Chew of Atchison, KS; his four beloved grandchildren, Haden Drury, Christian Trevino, Brecen Drury and Ava Trevino.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the entire Amberwell Hospice staff for their exceptional compassion and care. A special thank-you to Amy S. and Tammy, whose kindness, gentleness, and unwavering dedication went above and beyond in caring for Phil. Their support brought comfort not only to him, but to all who loved him, and the family will forever be grateful.