Philip Burke Hand, 61 of Friona passed from this life from a brief, but courageous battle with cancer, on February 9, 2021 surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly. No services are scheduled. Philip's wishes were for his family to be together, enjoy each other and remember him. Also, to be cremated and his final resting place will be somewhere in the southern Colorado mountains where he loved to spend time. Cremation arrangements by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Philip announced his wishes several days ago after his journey began with a perfect stranger helping him from the parking lot into the emergency room in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to ending up in his family home in Friona, Texas. He felt blessed by so many people during this time. This journey lasted 50 days.
Philip was born to Burke and Retta Hand on March 24, 1959, in Dimmitt, Texas. He was raised in Friona, Texas. He attended Friona schools and graduated in 1977. Philip graduated from Texas Tech in 1981. Then he was off to the Dallas area to begin a career in marketing. This career led him from Dallas to Albuquerque to Lubbock and back to Albuquerque.
Philip loved helping with Boy Scouts as his son grew up. There was always an adventure ahead. By the time his daughter got a little older he spent his time as a proud dad in the stands of her softball games. Scouts or softball, he was always so very proud of his children. Even now as adults there was still a glimmer in his eye as he spoke about them. This year he welcomed his first grandchild, Collins, and was excited to be a part of her future.
When it was playtime, Phil would often be found riding his motorcycle in the mountains of northern New Mexico, hoping that any ride would land him at Sipapu Lodge for a green chili cheeseburger. If he wasn't riding, he was often looking for a river or lake to spend some time fishing or spending time with nieces and nephews trying to beat them at cards.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Ira Burke Hand.
Philip will be dearly missed and loved by his mother Loretta Hand of Friona, Texas, his son - Brannon Hand of Lubbock, Texas, his daughter- Cortney Peck and husband Chris of North Richland Hills, Texas and his precious granddaughter, Collins Peck. One brother - Danny Hand and wife Jiselle of Friona, Texas. One sister - Tawnya Wales and husband Tim of Dimmitt, Texas. He is also mourned by his nieces and nephews who will always hold him in their hearts.
"We would like to thank his caregivers. We couldn't have done it without each and every one of you. You made it possible for us to care for him at home and be with him until the end. Leesa Roush, Jacki Koehn, Natalia Costas, Kristal Smith, Linda Rice, BSA Hospice - we will be forever thankful for each of you."
Graveside service for Wanda Mae Wilson will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Dawson County Cemetery, in Lamesa at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Dee Woolam officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Branon Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Branon Funeral Home. (Masks and social distancing are required at the funeral home and cemetery)
On Thursday, February 11th, 2021, Wanda Mae (Wolf) Wilson, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and Nana, passed away at the age of 85. Wanda was born in Coahoma, Texas on April 25th, 1935 to John and Esther (McCallister) Wolf. She graduated from Lamesa High School in 1953. Wanda married Hilton Leon Wilson, on December 26, 1952.
She was employed by Texas Tech Farms-Pantex as an administrative assistant until she retired. She enjoyed traveling with Hilton and her daughters. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church for many years.
Wanda is survived by her children: Rhonda (Wilson) Rebber and husband, Glenn Rebber and Tyra D'Aun (Wilson) Pratt and husband Dale Pratt, all in Waco; two grandchildren, Derek Rebber (Waco) and Nathan Pratt (Amarillo) and wife Catherine; three great grandchildren, Dusty and Sterling Rebber, Khloe Karnes, and another great granddaughter coming in April. Also, a sister, Ms. Helen Davis (Andrews); sister-in-law, Ms. Velora Copeland (Round Rock); and many nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved Dachshund, Millie. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 13 siblings.
The family would appreciate memorials to the "Alzheimer's Association" or a charity of your choice. To send online condolences, please visit: http://www.branonfuneralhome.com.