Edward Taylor Phares was born June 26^th 1957, in Newton, Kansas. He was one of six children, proceeded in death by his father Harold Phares, his mother Winifred Woodward, and his brother Donnie Phares. Surviving siblings are Mike and Debi Phares of Oxford, Kansas, Randy Phares of El Dorado, Kansas, Cindy Estrada of Houston, Texas, and Debi and John Thaden of Kodak, Tennessee. He is survived by his wife Tammy Phares, his four children, and one foster son including: Tiffany and Bobby Southern  of Newton, Kansas, Joshua and Heather Phares of Prescott, Arizona, Talia and Joshua Fuller of Newton, Jordan Phares of Newton, and Bo and Ashley Moody of Stroud, Oklahoma. Ed is survived by eight grandchildren as well: Jade, Alexis, Bobby, Eddy, and Josselynn Southern, Trinity Phares; Delaney and Wynnie Fuller.

Ed was born with a hunger to help people in need, whether it was a family member, or some random person he saw on the street. When Ed was just a kid he would hang out at the firehouse observing, and visiting with the guys about the life of a Firefighter. Ed’s dreams of becoming a Firefighter came true when he joined the Newton Fire Department straight out of high school. Shortly after, he rose through the ranks becoming a Captain. After over 20 years of service Ed’s career was cut short due to a back injury sustained at work. Family meant the most to Ed, and that included his yorkies, Oliver and Sophie. He has gone through hell and high water to give his children, and grandchildren what they needed. Papa was very positive, and brought light to every bad situation.  Papa believed if you did something, you did it 110%, that meant if he needed to mow his grass three times a week he would do it. He took pride in what he believed in, and everything he owned.  A father, a husband, a grandfather, a brother, a friend, a coach, and a neighbor whose presence on earth will forever be missed.

August 28^th 1977- March 4^th 2000. (Service to Fire Department).

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 14, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton, Kansas with The Reverend Jim Mainzer presiding. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Tuesday evening May 12 at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.  Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening May 13 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Private family interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery Newton.

Memorials are suggested to Caring Hands Humane Society or the 1926 Fire Truck Fund in care of Petersen Funeral Home.

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