Phillip Stanley Berton
Phillip Stanley Berton, age 89, of Houston, went to be with the Lord on May 15, 2021, at the Kindred Hospital surrounded by loving family. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at Morehart Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Andy Rodgers officiating. Interment will follow in Hart Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.
Phil was born January 28, 1932 in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, the son of John and Jessie Berton, longtime residents of Breckenridge, Texas. He was a graduate of Hawkins High School in Hawkins, Texas, Class of 1949. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as a cryptographer and was honorably discharged in 1955. He attended and graduated college from Southwest Texas State University, Class of 1977. After an almost 40-year career in the oil and gas industry as an Air Quality Specialist and Engineer, Phil retired in 2006.
Phil Berton was a loving father and grandfather. He lived a very structured and disciplined life and was very successful at whatever he set his mind to. He excelled at golf and as a musician. He was a very talented “self-taught” trombonist and pianist, among other instruments. His love and appreciation for Big Band music was always a part of him, especially while playing both locally and abroad for Phil Berton & The Imperials and various orchestras.
Phil was preceded in death by his siblings, Bob Berton of Denton, Texas, Paul Berton of Breckenridge, Texas, John A. (Tony) Berton of Tampa Bay, Florida, and Barbara Smith of Ringold, Oklahoma.
He is survived by his son, Phillip Stanley Berton, Jr. and wife Laura of Newnan, Georgia; his daughter, Bridget Deanne Lopez of Houston; granddaughters, Laura Dali Berton and Randi Alexandra Berton, both of Houston; grandson, Colin Carter Berton of Houston; and sister, Betty Harmon of Abilene.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.
