Phillip Azar

Phillip Azar, Sr., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 26, 2017, at the age of 91. He is now in his eternal home, after a valiant fight with Parkinson’s. Phil was a native El Pasoan from a long time El Paso family. He was born February 25, 1926 to Shibley and Emmaline Abdou Azar. He was a graduate of Austin High School, and attended Texas College of Mines, now the University of Texas – El Paso. While in college, Phil was drafted at the age of 18 into the U.S. Army. He served in the European Theater at the Battle of the Bulge, under General George Patton. He was honorably discharged, and returned to college, majoring in pre-med. As the family business began to grow, he went to work there full time. He was co-founder of Azar Nut Co., with his brothers Shibley and Edward Azar. Phil was Vice Chairman of the Board, and active in management and operations. He was Chief Executive Officer of Azar/Western Pecan Growers Inc. He also served on the Board of Chase Bank, and was a member of numerous civic organizations. He was a long time member of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Phil could be found most weekends on the tennis courts of the El Paso Tennis Club, where he was a charter member, and served as past president. A life-long tennis player, he promoted tennis and when not working, was on the courts coaching his three children to be successful junior tennis players and good citizens. He was an example to his children of fairness, honesty and good sportsmanship. His generosity to others knew no bounds and he never knew a stranger. His legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren, who worshipped him. He always put his family first, and will forever be remembered with love.

Phil was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Shibley and Edward, his sisters Nesa and Nini, and his son-in-law, Dr. Chris Powers. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 67 years, Bette, and his three children, Pam Azar Hunsaker (Scott), Phillip Azar, Jr., and Peggy Azar Powers, his grandchildren Aubrey Ballard, Vince Knipp, Christopher Powers, Jr., Lindsey Simoson, Sarah Beth Shapleigh, and Jeremy Hicks, and great-grandchildren Johanna Ballard and Palmer Powers.

Phil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, and a gifted athlete, businessman and member of the greatest generation. We will love and miss him forever.

Thanks to his caregivers, including Juanita Rodriguez, Iliana Campos, and Isela Carrillo, and a special thanks to Yescenia Zilich, all of whom made his last years comfortable. We would also like to thank Dr. Muneer Assi, and Envision Hospice.

The family will gather for a private internment. A memorial service will be held at St. Patrick Cathedral on Thursday, August 31, at 10:30 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to The Chris Powers Scholarship Fund, in care of the El Paso Community Foundation, 333 N. Oregon Street #2, El Paso, Texas 79902.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Funeral Home, El Paso, TX.