Rev. Philip M. Fair
August 26, 1939 ~ October 19, 2014
FAIR, Philip M., 75, died peacefully on October 19, 2014 at his home in Oklahoma City. He was born August 26, 1939 to Rev. Denton F. & C. Aline Fair in Muskogee, OK. Phil grew up in Muskogee, OK, graduating from Muskogee Central High School in 1957.
He attended Anderson College in Anderson, IN, graduating with a BA in 1961. In Anderson, he met and married the love of his life, Betty Ruth Aved. They were married on September 3, 1960 in Fresno, CA and shared fifty-four years of marriage together.
Phil enjoyed a multi-faceted career in business, church ministry, mass communication and higher education. He began his career in the oil industry in Oklahoma City and then served as a music minister in several Church of God congregations in Muskogee, Oklahoma City, and Anderson, IN. Phil was a gifted worship leader and churchman.
During his career, Phil served as Executive Producer for the Christian Brotherhood Hour (CBH), the Church of God’s national weekly radio broadcast, and worked at Alexandria House, a Christian music publishing company.
Phil joined the staff of Anderson University, Anderson, IN in 1981 where he spent nearly three decades in Admissions and Development. He retired from the University January 31, 2008 and relocated to his home state of Oklahoma where he worked for Sandridge Energy and most recently was partner in a business consulting firm.
Phil was preceded in death by his father, Denton and his mother, Aline. He is survived by his wife Betty, children Rev. Kelly S. Fair and wife Rev. Suze Fair of Ft. Wayne, IN; Lori (Fair) Layugan and husband Tony and daughters Nicole & Jessica of Henderson, NV; grandchildren Benjamin Fair, Katharine Fair and Mackenzie Fair.
Phil loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren. Over the years, Phil and Betty opened their home to so many -- mentoring and encouraging them along the way. His influence was felt by musicians and worship pastors, a legacy that continues to this day. Phil was a good friend to many and will be remembered for his creativity, his “big-picture-thinking”, and his investment in others.
Visitation will be held at 3:00-5:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm Friday October 24, 2014 in the Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service, 229 S. Rangeline Rd., Anderson, IN. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at East Side Church of God. Private burial will take place at East Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Anderson University, 1100 E. 5th Street, Anderson, IN 46012.