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OBITUARY

Phillip Eugene Gallagher

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Phillip Eugene Gallagher of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in his home.

He was born on Jan. 19, 1948, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to George Jacob and Elizabeth Rachel Spicer Gallagher and had one brother, Jim Gallagher, all of whom preceded him in death.

After graduating high school, Phil attended Kansas State University College of Pittsburg, where he studied art.

He was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Navy. After the Navy, Phil made his way to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. A longtime resident of Glenwood, Phil was a bartender at some of the old-time local hangouts, including the Epicurean, Hotel Colorado, the Springs, and the Loft. Phil also owned Gallagher Optical for 30 years and was very proud of the ladies' fast-pitch softball team that his business sponsored.

Phil was a member of the Elks Lodge for 33 years. He was a main fixture at the "Hill" golf club, where he spent countless hours, days, and weekends playing golf, and will be remembered for his Sunday gathering of the "Gallagher Gaggle," which started with a mere four golfers and grew to as many as 36 on any given Sunday. He enjoyed bird hunting in Kansas and Nebraska, big game hunting in Colorado, watching NFL football, and he never missed an opportunity to do a little swing dancing with the ladies.

A celebration of life will be held at the Elk's Lodge in West Glenwood at a later date. In his honor, a "Gallagher Gaggle" golf tournament is being planned for next spring.

Phil was an incredible friend to so many and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. RIP Duke.