Phillip “Phil” Gordon Hower

Phillip “Phil” Gordon Hower, 84, passed away on September 16, 2026. He was born on October 21, 1941, in Fostoria, Ohio, to Glenn Ellsworth Hower and Ruth May Hower.

Phil’s Christian faith was central to his life. He became a born-again Christian in 1978 and had been a member of Oasis Southwest Baptist Church since 1986. Over the years, he was invited to share his testimony at churches, Faith City Mission, and with various youth groups.

Martial arts was a significant part of Phil’s life, and he devoted many years to it. He earned the rank of 10th-degree black belt, was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and earned the title of Eagle Grand Master. From 1973 until 2004, he owned and operated his own martial arts studio in Amarillo, spending more than three decades teaching and sharing his knowledge of martial arts.

Phil was also a talented mechanic and handyman. His family and friends will remember the many times he used those skills to help them. Whether working on a car that would not run or repairing something around a home, Phil was often willing to give his time and labor without expecting anything in return.

Like every life, Phil’s journey had many chapters. Those closest to him will remember the father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and man of faith they knew and loved. They will remember his knowledge, his stories, the skills he shared, the help he provided, and the moments they experienced with him throughout his 84 years.

His family takes comfort in the Christian faith Phil professed for nearly five decades and in the promise that was at the center of that faith—that through Jesus Christ, death is not the end and there is the hope of eternal life.

Phil will be deeply missed by those who loved him, and the memories they shared with him will remain a part of their lives for years to come.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Ellsworth Hower and Ruth May Hower, and his daughter, Phyllis Hower.

He is survived by his former wife and dear friend, Jackie Hower; his beloved furry friend, Ace; his children, Ruth Garza, Vickie Kinsey, Jeremy Hower (Maria), Brandon McClain (Beverly), Michael Collins Seraphim (Gabi), Phillip Glenn Hower (Kandyce), and Cedrich Hower; his siblings, Charlene Grube of Tucson, Arizona, Roland Hower of Boulder, Colorado, and Glenn Hower of Phoenix, Arizona; his grandchildren, Skylar Jellison, Bri’Anna Rackley, Amanda Gray, Lauren Taylor Gray, Josh Kinsey, Arianna Kinsey, Bryan David Kettler, Ryan James Kettler, Allye McClain, Andi McClain, Aly Seraphim, and Kirsten Hower. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Oasis Baptist Church, 8201 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, Texas, 79110 .