J. Philip Stovall
August 24, 2016
Memorial Services for J. Philip Stovall will be held at Grace Church, 4200 E. 25th Street, Des Moines, IA 50317 on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m.
"It is Well with My Soul," the first song Jay Philip Stovall will sing after going home August 24, 2016. He loved to sing harmony and played the trombone well after only three lessons. He was also known to sing only one line of a song, leaving his family waiting in suspense for the rest of the song, and many times he woke house guests by playing his trombone.
Phil was born April 29, 1933, in Des Moines, Iowa, and was strikingly similar to his father in appearance and strength of character, even though his father died when Phil was only two. At 11 he secured his first employment by asking for the head nun at the local hospital and convincing her he was the right man for whatever job she had. He pursued a wide variety of jobs, many which included his love of cars. At the age of 16, his life was transformed through a bold faith which continued and grew into a rich study and prayer life with his Creator, his wife, and his church family.
Phil served as a medic in the Army and was stationed in Korea. He introduced a fellow soldier to Jesus, and that soldier later introduced Phil to Naomi Grace. The two were married at Christmastime in 1959, and God granted them 57 years of marriage, two daughters, and five grandsons. Phil retired, several times, from being a teacher and a lawyer and had it not been for a stroke, would have found a way to teach law as a missionary in his late 70s. Over the years he served his family and his church and impacted countless lives through the organizations of Boy Scouts, Teen Challenge, Boys State, and the American Legion. He was a lover of dogs, cars, and people and was just as comfortable wearing a gag gift to a Christmas party as a suit to court. He was very generous and lived 30 years with heart disease. His heart was not weak or broken. God decided it was fully spent. His mind was still seeking the next adventure, but his heart had already given so much, and now it is well with his soul.
Phil Stovall is survived by his wife, Naomi, daughters, Dawn (Jamie) Gauld and Robyn (Kevin) Mengwasser, and five grandsons, Jonathon Gunner and Jeremy Gauld, Kyle (Melissa) Mengwasser, Luke Mengwasser, and Blake Mengwasser.
Phil would have appreciated any memorials be directed to Ottumwa Christian School or Grace Church.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bryant mitchell Raleigh
08/30/2016
Phil was my God Father and was there at my dedication. He also encouraged me to play the trombone and I took a few more lessons. He spoke to our youth group at my father's church telling his life story up to that point. His sister Joyce and friend Ruth held V.B.S.for a week at my dads church and I still have the leather covered New Testament. I won for bringing the most kids. That was 57 years ago. Glad to known a person of this quality!
Eric, Jackie, Avery & Allie Mason
08/30/2016
Stovall Family - The world lost a great man but heaven is rejoicing. Wishing you comfort in your time of loss. He will be missed.
Shelly (Cole) Miller
08/29/2016
Phil was one of my father's greatest advocates. He helped him in his journey to create his will, and later to add a codicil that I got to witness as they drew it up together to be sure that us kids were taken care of. Thank you Phil, for the trombone Reveille at the girls slumber party. I have a vague memory of your story about the Val Air Ballroom. And your metaphor for Continuing to sin is like taking a bath and putting the dirty clothes back on. We will have a great reunion one day, and I cant wait to see the rewards for the many investments you expended into others lives.
Doug De Hamer
08/29/2016
Phil was a wonderful christian man and kept me in line as a young boy in his sunday school class (not an easy job). He always threatened that "if I didn't straighten up, I would give him no choice but to place me in the prone position, face down, and apply rapid and successive pressure to the base of my spine." Luckily for me that never happened. Phil, you will be missed by many here on earth but enjoy your new everlasting home and one day we will see you again!
Marilee (Foxworthy) Springer
08/29/2016
I, too, was a victim of his early morning trombone serenade after a late night of partying at a Missionette's slumber party. His logic was that since we had kept him up late, he would summon us early. I thought that was the only time that he ever did that, but it's nice to know that we weren't the only ones. :) I miss you, Noni, Dawn and Robyn. I remember many great times together in Missionettes and youth group! I pray God's comfort on your lives. I really liked Phil. He was a nice guy and had beautiful handwriting. :)
Jim Haley
08/29/2016
I worked with Phil for nearly 30 years and had the highest respect for him both as a person and a lawyer. He was truly a great guy.
Randy & Deb Cameron
08/29/2016
Our sympathies to Noni and the family. We remember Phil fondly when we were all at Berean. A great trombone player and a great man of God. Praying that God comforts you today and in the coming months.
Michael J. Nieland
08/29/2016
Phil was a wonderful man. When I was the American Legion 6th District Commander I asked Phil if he would be my Boys State Chairman. Phil accepted. And he continued with Boys State and being Chairman for many years.
Phil conducted a fantastic Boys State Orientation. He packed humor in with much detailed information that helped the candidates retain the information. He is definitely missed.
He was always willing to help out and just by his nature he taught you things you didn't know that you didn't know, you didn't know!
Steve and Lorraine Hansen
08/29/2016
Noni and family, our love and prayers to you at this time.
Cannot reminisce about Berean's Road to Calvary days without thinking of Phil playing the song "Jerusalem" on his trombone at the beginning.of the dramam?
Roger McNeeley
08/28/2016
Where do you start so many great memories from knowing the Stovall family .Phil was such a wonderful guy to have in your life. I had him as a Sunday School teacher with always had them homemade cinnamon rolls for class..went to the YMCA a few times and a course he always had to catch you and what he called getting baptized .Phil was a great person to have in your life..Heaven has gained a wonderful husband,father and leader and he will be missed. Knowing Phil he is sitting up in Heaven with a trombone saying OK everyone let's get the music going. Phil I will always remember the good times and one day down the road I will see you again in a heaven .
Monica (Smith) Sparks
08/28/2016
Dear Noni & Family, I have such fond memories of your family and the lasting impact you and Phil had on my walk with Christ. From Missionettes to Sunday School to Foundations of Faith, you and Phil made a difference in my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to during this time. May God lavish His amazing peace and comfort over you.
Brad Walz
08/28/2016
Phil and I started volunteering as city counselors at Boys' State over 20 years ago. As "newbie" city counselors next to each other we learned the ins and outs together. Phil had a great love for our country, the Legion and the Boys' Staters in his cities. Phil was a great example of a family man and leader. All of us who have been at Boys' State over the last quarter century will miss him.
Jerry Dain
08/28/2016
Phil was one of my favorite cousins even though we didn't get together nearly often enough. We are sorry we won't be able to attend the funeral but our heart felt condolences and prayers of comfort go out to Noni and the girls.
Melissa Gingrich
08/27/2016
Although I only met Phil a few times, the loving stories shared by his family and the beautiful souls of his daughters speak volumes to his character. I did not have the chance to hear him sing, but I look forward to singing in the chorus with him someday . He lived well, he loved well, and I believe " it is well" with his soul. Prayers and love to Naomi, Robyn, and my dear friend Dawn.
Bobbi Renli
08/27/2016
I love the obituary. That is my uncle Phil! He would frequently wake us up with his trumpet call. I have so many fond memories of my uncle Phil.
I look forward to seeing him in heaven, hearing more of his stories, and sitting down for a long conversation! He loved the Lord with all his heart and was a model example of Christs love for us.