Phillip W. Mange, PhD
June 5, 1925 – June 18, 2020
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a gathering to celebrate Phillip’s life will be held at later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, Open Doors Ministry or Loaves and Fishes of Kalamazoo, c/o the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave a condolence message.
Obituary
Age 95, passed away on Thursday evening, June 18, 2020. He was born in Kalamazoo Michigan on June 05, 1925, the son of Leo Vincent and Gertrude Mange. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1943, and served (non-combat) in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World WWll, in Alaska. He briefly attended several colleges and received degrees from Kalamazoo College and the Pennsylvania State University (Ph.D. in Physics), where he engaged in space research. Subsequently he served on staff of the International Geophysical Year (IGY)1957-58 in Belgium and the United States. Moving to the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Washington, D.C., 1959-1993, Phil continued to do upper atmosphere (ionosphere) research, served on a committee choosing the first woman astronaut, and administrated the department where the gold plated camera was built that went to the moon. In retirement he tutored in physics (University of Maryland, Kalamazoo Valley Community College), and was employed at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Washington D.C. before returning to Kalamazoo in 2008. He enjoyed the arts immensely. He was married to Hazel “Eloise” Quick on August 25, 1951 and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage together. Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Eloise, their beloved son, Thomas Warren Mange, and Corrinne Cummins, his dear companion during these last years in Kalamazoo. He leaves to cherish his memory, daughter Virginia Mange of Kalamazoo, brother Charles Vincent (LaVonne) Mange of Frankfort, Michigan and daughter in law, Michelle Tallent Mange of Germantown, Maryland.
We first met Phil when he returned from Maryland/Washington D.C. to live in Kalamazoo. Our dear friend, Corrine and Phil attended St Martin of Tours Episcopal Church where we became close friends. He was a brilliant, kind, generous and loyal man. He loved to tell stories and had a lot of good ones. Over the past years we’ve spent good times at meals, church and family events. Phil became part of our lives and is missed. Our love to Virginia.
Phil and I had many wonderful talks about physics, All things Astronomy, and other science related topics at St. Martin of Tours in Kalamazoo. Phil’s kindness, caring spirit and incredible laugh were always present. He shared a similar upbringing before switching to the episcopal church, which led to even more stories. One of the smartest men I know. Many of us will miss him dearly. I’ll especially miss his laugh and comment “oh, never mind” when he noticed when topics were over my head:). Peace and Love to Virginia and the family.
Tony and I met Phil through St Martin’s Episcopal Church, He was a kind and thoughtful person and a much appreciated member of the parish. I enjoyed chatting with Phil about his past, especially his time in Alaska. Tony and I lived in Alaska for 4 years while in the US Air Force and it was interesting to hear about what it was like when Phil was there. We will miss him.
I first met Phil Mange in 2008 when he moved back to Kalamazoo. I worked at a local bookstore where he soon became a familiar and friendly face. I was always glad to see him walk in the door. I knew I was in for challenging conversation, a kind word, and a laugh or two. He frequently ordered multiple copies of books to give away to friends. His deep voice and signature laugh will always be with me. I remember once Phil and his “dear companion” Corrine came into the store. They seemed so happy together. Phil Mange was a fascinating man of integrity. Knowing him was a blessing.