Jack E. Phebus

On March 30, 2026, Jack Earl Phebus of Pasadena, at the age of 84, departed this world for parts unknown. Jack's absence from this plane will be felt in the hearts of his many children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. No one will miss him more than his beloved wife of 53 years, Gilda May Phebus who Jack adored with all his heart.

As a young man, Jack spent a lot of his time on the Chesapeake and it is said that his skills as a waterman were so astounding that if he had continued in that vocation the Maryland Blue Crab would now be extinct. As a boy and throughout his life, he supplied his mother, the late Stella Gast, with love, care, and countless bushels of #1 males.

Jack had a natural talent for engines and worked for 24 years of dedicated service as a heavy mobile equipment mechanic and one of the first civilian contractors of the United States Coast Guard. He used his skills and unmatched work ethic to keep this nation’s ships afloat and running, starting in 1976 and retiring in 2004. He was a pioneer in his field.

He had a great interest in science, history, and the unknown, and spent his later years learning and sharing his knowledge with family.  He enjoyed puzzles, sudoku, music and endless philosophical and political conversations with those he loved.

Jack’s life wasn’t easy but he lived it with a resilience that is scarcely seen in this world. No matter what life threw at him, he never lost the grin that those who knew him will always remember.

A survivor of many serious injuries and illnesses over his long life, Jack is seen by many as the toughest man they ever knew. The embarkation of Jack Earl Phebus leaves a void as big as his heart in the lives of those he is waiting for at his next destination.

An icon has departed, but he remains among us in legend, story, and eternal love.

The family requests relatives and friends visit the family owned Gonce Funeral Service, P.A. (169 Riviera Drive) on Monday (April 6, 2026) from 10:30AM - 12:30PM. The funeral service will begin at 12:30PM followed by the interment in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Feel free to express your condolences on his tribute wall.

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