Phillip Earl Lewzader, known as Phil by his friends and family, passed away on September 24, 2025, at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Born on December 7, 1951, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Phil's journey through life was marked by dedication, service, and the love he shared with his beloved family and friends.
Phil was a cherished husband to the late Debra “Debbie” Copeland Lewzader and loving brother to Becke Bell and Julia "Honey" Brown. Phil's legacy continues through his children, Jonathan Lewzader (Ashley), Tim Lewzader, Chris Lewzader, Misty Grebner (Josh), and Ryan Reid (Kristin). His grandchildren, Sydney Watkins, Kasen Lewzader, Reece Reid, Camden Lewzader, Reid Grebner, Kip Reid, Esmay Lewzader, Avery Lewzader, Claire Lewzader, Emry Lewzader, Leeam Lewzader, and Rip Lewzader, brought him immeasurable joy.
An intelligent and wise man, Phil was a graduate of the University of Maryland. His career journey began in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he worked at the Strong-Thorne Mortuary before setting off to Washington, D.C., in his old Datsun automobile to start a clerical position with the FBI in the Automation & Research Section of the Identification Division. After a brief period in A&R, he was transferred to the Mineralogy Section of the FBI Laboratory, immersing himself in the world of "Soil and Glass." His colleagues fondly remember the time when he moved to 501 A Street NE Washington, D.C., and became roommates with fellow agents, Joe Brown and Donald Cooper.
Phil's dedication to public service was evident when he began giving tours at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. His commitment to the Bureau continued to grow, and in the late spring of 1976, he received his appointment as a Special Agent. After training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, he was assigned to the New York City Office, where he played a crucial role in the FBI/New York City PD Joint Bank Robbery Task Force. Eventually, Phil's career took him to the Louisville, KY Division, and he was assigned to the Elizabethtown, KY Resident Agency. Later, he was transferred to the Paducah Resident Agency. His career highlights are tremendous, including serving as Sniper on the FBI SWAT team. His post-retirement years were just as active, with Phil becoming a licensed private detective and working with the Paducah Police Department.
Phil enjoyed simple pleasures like lunching at the Paducah VFW, sharing a back porch beer and conversation, and indulging in his hobbies of stamp collecting and watching FOX news. Above all, his grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
Phil was a selfless man, always putting everyone he loved before himself. He was a pillar of wisdom and intelligence to all who knew him. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his spirit and the memories he created will forever be a guiding light for his family and friends. Phil's journey through life was one of purpose and impact, and his story will be told with admiration and love for generations to come.
Phil was preceded in death by one brother, Larry Lewzader; and his parents, William Homer “Lew” Lewzader and Trudy Rippe Lewzader.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to ‘The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’. T2T.org
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home in Paducah. Funeral services follow directly at 1:00 PM with Bro. Ron Hicks officiating. Cremation and entombment will be held privately at a later date at Murray Memorial Gardens.
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