Philip C Ehly

Philip Charles Ehly was born February 28, 1940 in Topeka, Kansas and lived a full and engaging life until December 28, 2018. In his early life, he attended Amarillo High School, was an outstanding football player and was offered many scholarships from major university powerhouses; eventually accepting Southern Methodist's invitation for a full scholarship. After one year at SMU, he heard from his high school football coach, whom had taken a job at New Mexico State University. Philip transferred to NMSU where he played for the Aggies and was a member of the 1959, 1960 Sun Bowl Championship Football Team. He was elected Captain his Senior Year. He had continued to keep in touch with the members of his Aggie Family for over 50 years and many wonderful gatherings were attended by his former players as they returned to Las Cruces for Homecoming or introduction into the Aggie Hall of Fame. Philip embarked on a coaching career after graduation. He coached many young men in football and in track. His influence on those he coached is still talked about today and he continued to hear from them throughout the years. Philips career as a head coach lead him to win many state championships and in 1982, he was voted as Coach of the Year into the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame. He retired from coaching in the early 80's and he and his wife Arlene, moved back to Las Cruces, where he opened a Famers Insurance Agency. After retiring, he became an avid reader, enjoyed golf, spending time with his family, watching football, especially Aggie home games. He and Arlene traveled to many wonderful places throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Arlene, daughter, Shawn Turpen and husband Tobe Turpen III of Las Cruces, son, Philip Roland Ehly and wife Janice Gutierrez Ehly, also of Las Cruces. Also left to cherish his memory are his 5 grandchildren, Satori and Savanna Turpen, Philip Samuel, Jordan, and Victoria Ehly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip George and Jean Gibbs Ehly, and his sister Georgia. In lieu of services, a Philip C. Ehly Memorial fund has been set up through the NMSU Foundation at the Fulton Center. Contributions should be made payable to NMSU Foundation with "Football-Phil Ehly Memorial," in the memo line of you check. Please contact Michail Thomas, Development Officer at 575-646-5151 or via email at mdthomas@nmsu.edu for any other form of donations.