Philip D. Vondy, 84, life resident of Morgan County, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2007, at his home. He was born November 30, 1923, near Antelope Springs, CO to Victor & Edna Vondy. He attended school at the Welcome Hollow School District 19 near Snyder and Brush High School. Prior to his enlistment in the US Army for WW II, Phil helped on his parent's farm. During WW II, Phil served with Company A 143rd Infantry, 36th Division in the European Theatre of Operations from 1943 – 1945. He participated in six major battles and campaigns – Rome-ArnoAnzio, Naples-Foggie, Rhineland, Southern France, and Central Europe. He was captured and was a prisoner of war at Stalag 7A, liberated by General Patton's Army on April 29, 1945. Phil was a highly decorated soldier, awarded the silver star, bronze star for valor, the purple heart, and the French Croix de Guerre. After the war, Phil came back to the family farm and worked as a driller in the oil / gas industry, mostly for Allison Brothers in Denver. He married Norma Morrow of Snyder in 1949. She died in child birth. In 1953, he married Dorothy (Blake) Martin, and they had six children. On March 11, 1978, he married Betty Hauschildt Compton at the Brush United Methodist Church. Following their marriage, Betty & Phil lived in Brush. Throughout their marriage, Betty & Phil were very active in veteran, community, and church activities. Throughout his life, Phil found the greatest satisfaction in family, community and country. In his retirement years, he found great joy in his grandchildren, collecting "stuff" of all types and being with his host of friends. In 1999, Betty & Phil were honored by the Brush Rodeo Association, being selected as Outstanding Pioneers in Morgan County for their lifetime of community service. He was a member of Royal Neighbors, Mile High and National Chapters of the POW Association; DAV, 36th Division Association, and was a life member of VFW #3551. Survivors include his wife, Betty; their children, Harold and Vic of Sterling, CO; Dave of Windsor, CO, Phyllis Lawler of Biloxi, MS, Esther Beardt of Phoenix, AZ, Gloria Amen of Fort Morgan, Robert Compton of Denver, CO, and Susan Bucher of Searcy, AR; a brother, William Vondy of MN; 20 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Darlene Yurdt, a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Dave (Kim) Vondy, and a son-in-law, Steve Amen; 2 brothers, Elwyn and John; and his parents. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 10, 2007, at 11:00 AM at the Brush United Methodist Church, 1701 Edmunds Street. Interment, with military honors by the US Army Honor Guard will follow in the Brush Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Heer Mortuary in Brush on Sunday from 3 – 5 PM. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the Hospice & Palliative Care of North Colorado in Fort Morgan or to the Brush United Methodist Church.