Phillip Q. Rose
Philip Q. Rose, 87, of Philadelphia, Mo., passed away at 2:28 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024, at his home in Philadelphia. The family invites his friends to a celebration of life to be held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Hannibal, Missouri on June 27.
Philip was born June 30, 1936, in Freeport, Ill., to Albert Ernest and Marjorie L. Brock Rose. He was married to Bertie Rowland on December 30, 1985, in Chico, Calif. She survives.
Survivors include his wife, Reverend Bertie Rose of Philadelphia; his children Diana Rose Lettieri (Vince) of Rantoule, Ill., Andrew Rose of Win., and Dr. Stephanie Stanton (Heath) of St. Paul, Minn.; brother Dr. Terry Rose (Holly) of Morgantown, W.V.; grandchildren, Marissa Rose, Geoffrey Rose (Julia) and Eli Stanton; nephew Brent Rose; close friends and neighbors Randy and Carolyn Spratt of Philadelphia, and Fred Cunningham also of Philadelphia.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents.
Philip was a quiet and unassuming man; he was not the sort to brag about things or even let on that behind those sparkling blue eyes lay a very sharp mind indeed. He earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and a Masters in Divinity. He became a beloved country veterinarian with a focus on food animal medicine and particularly enjoyed working with producers and their livestock. He spent part of his career as a Full Professor at California State University, Chico, teaching veterinary subjects to Animal Science students. He was named Outstanding Professor in Agriculture, an award voted on by the students in the program.
He served as a veterinarian in the United States Army, insuring the health of the K-9 corps and the safety of the food supply for our military. He carried a wonderful bedside manner using his skill, wit and charm to help to maintain herd health and calm their owners too at times! Philip was an accomplished equestrian riding in Three Day Events, especially dressage with a number of horses over the years. His calm manner and quiet nature helped with developing a horse’s natural athletic ability, strength, suppleness, rideability, and willingness to perform under saddle. He even made national standings competing in endurance rides of 25-75 miles in the mountains of California and Nevada.
“Later in life than most, Phil answered a call on his heart to go to Seminary to become a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church. As he liked to say…he left his fishing boat on the shore to follow the call and went to Seminary for four years at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. After graduating, he was able to provide services to a number of the small churches here in Northeastern Missouri.”
He was a talented woodworker, crafting a cedar strip canoe, a sailboat and a number of pieces of oak furniture with his skilled hands. Philip enjoyed travel, working and taking in the sights of Japan, France, Hawaii and Western Samoa. Fishing in the North woods and boundary waters, and ice fishing in Minnesota were favored activities when the weather and time permitted. He enjoyed fishing in his own pond when he couldn’t get away. He was a much-loved husband, father, and member of the community.
Memorials may be sent to the Philip Rose C-61 Scholarship Fund at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine.
The family is hosting a Celebration of Life on June 27, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, located at 120 North 6th St. in Hannibal, MO, with light refreshments to follow. Rev. Mark Hughes will officiate. There will be an opportunity for people to share favorite moments and memories.