Philip Rapstine

Philip Rapstine, 84, of Lubbock, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020.

Due to our current health conditions and regulations, there will be a private family graveside Wednesday in Sacred Heart Cemetery in White Deer with Father David Purdue officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

He was born in Pampa, Texas, the first of 4 children, to Ben and Mabel (Mackey) Rapstine. Phil grew up on a small farm near White Deer, Texas, and attended White Deer schools, where he was active in numerous organizations. He served as President of the Senior Class of 1953.

Phil graduated from Texas Tech University in 1960 with a degree in Civil Engineering.  While attending Texas Tech, he worked for Parkhill, Smith and Cooper, which he credited for his opportunity to become a practicing professional civil engineer. Phil remained an avid supporter of Texas Tech his entire life, particularly enjoying tailgating and attending Raider football and basketball games.

Phil worked for the Texas Highway Department and DuPont before joining Celanese Chemical Company in 1967, where he served in various positions including Manager of Major Projects at the Houston facility. During his early career, Phil completed graduate work in engineering and management. He was active in the American Society of Civil Engineers, holding numerous local and statewide offices, including President of the Texas Section. He retired from Celanese in 1997 to become the Director of Process Industry Practices, a consortium of major chemical, oil, and gas companies housed in the College of Engineering at the University of Texas. Phil ended his distinguished career in the engineering profession in 2000.

Phil was an accomplished craftsman, performing major remodeling projects on his homes. He enjoyed conversation and laughter with family and friends, cooking, working in his garden, watching college and professional sports, and astounding children with his magic tricks. He never met a stranger.

Phil took an active role in church lay leadership at St. Albans’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Lubbock, Texas. In support of his Church’s mission, he served on the St. Stephens Vestry, the Diocesan Executive Council, various Diocesan committees, and the Texas Tech Canterbury Episcopal Ministry Board.

Phil also served in leadership roles in The Boy Scouts of America and various civic organizations, including as President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock. He coached numerous baseball, basketball and soccer teams in which his children participated.

Phil is survived by his wife of 43 years, Heidi; his daughters, Cindy Marrero, Jeanne Albus and husband Tony, Kristie Combs and husband David; sons Randall and Mica; grandchildren, Jason, Scott, and Jerica Albus, Chris Marrero-Howison, Paul Marrero, and Jonathan Combs; and five great-grandchildren, Tyler Albus, Hunter Albus, Mia Marrero-Howison, Marshall Albus, and Calvin Albus. He is also survived by two brothers, Greg and wife Carolyn, and Doug and wife Jennifer of White Deer; a sister, Kathy Rose and husband Dan of Palestine, Texas; and numerous nephews and nieces and their families.

Phil fought a valiant seven-year battle against acute myeloid leukemia.  He participated in multiple clinical trials at MD Anderson with the hope of healing for himself and for the support of research that would benefit others in the future. 

The family wishes to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff at UMC, Joe Arrington Cancer Center, and MD Anderson for their care and concern during Phil’s illness. The family also wishes to express its thanks to their friends and church family at St. Stephens.

The family asks that contributions to the Phil and Heidi Rapstine Presidential Scholarship at Texas Tech be made in lieu of flowers.

To donate go to: https://donate.give2tech.com.