Phillip Ernest Rose

Colonel Phillip E. Rose, USAF (Retired)

Phillip Rose, age 88, departed this life to be with our Lord on February 12, 2026.  He passed peacefully at home.

Born on August 18, 1937 and raised on a farm in Minnesota, he dreamed of seeing the world.  That dream came true when he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1960 and married the love of his life, Ruth, also from Minnesota.  After being stationed in California, they moved to Colorado where he attended the Airman Education and Commissioning Program.  At Colorado State University he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964, graduating with honors.  He became a commissioned officer while stationed in Texas after completing Officer’s Training School.  After moving to New Mexico, he was called to serve in Saigon, Vietnam from 1966 to 1967, leaving Ruth behind to care for their three children.  For his time in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. He continued his Air Force career by serving at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., NORAD in Colorado Springs, and various bases throughout the U.S., always taking his family with him.  He earned his Master’s degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1973. In 1987 he was transferred to Seoul, South Korea, with his wife by his side.  He received his final assignment to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and he and his wife moved there in 1990.  For his hard work and dedication, he received many medals and awards during his career including the Legion of Merit.  After proudly serving his country for 31 years, he retired from the Air Force in January 1991 having achieved the rank of Colonel.  

In his free time, he was an avid runner, having run 26 marathons both nationally and internationally including the Boston, Pikes Peak, Berlin, and Athens marathons. He loved singing in his church choirs, as well as the Soli Deo Gloria Choir where he sang locally and at Carnegie Hall. He also joined the Berkshire International Choir and sang in concerts in London, Prague, and Austria.  Gardening and woodworking were his other favorite hobbies, which he shared with his family and friends.  

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, their three children, 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, two brothers, and a sister.  He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.  We look forward to the day when we can once again be with him in heaven.

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