Anthony F. Phelps

Knoxville, Md.

Anthony F. Phelps, 61, of Knoxville, Md., passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, June 23, 2011.

Tony was born November 28, 1949 at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Md. Both parents served in the Navy – Richardson Phelps, Jr., US Naval Academy Class of ’43, serving from 1940 until retirement in 1961, and Frances L. Phelps, USN WAVES ’43-’47.

Tony graduated in mechanical engineering from the US Naval Academy in 1974. From 1974-1981, US Marine Corps Captain Phelps served as a pilot for CH-53 heavy helicopters, and then as a pilot reservist at Naval Air Station Dallas, Texas.

As Tony’s career progressed in corporate roles, Tony received an MBA in technical management from the University of Dallas in 1987.

At the time of his death, Tony worked at BAE Systems as a systems/mechanical engineer on strategic defense weapons systems, Rockville, Md.

A life-long fitness enthusiast, he enjoyed cycling and swimming, and was an active volunteer leader and mentor in Scout Leadership and FIRST Robotics Youth Competition.

Tony loved his God, his family and his country, and was a proud American patriot.

Tony is survived by his wife, Wendi Sorg Phelps of Knoxville, Md.; son, Everett Anthony Phelps; and daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Phelps of Frederick, Md., from a previous marriage. He is also survived by his mother, Frances Lokey Phelps; sister, Anne Lokey Phelps; and niece, Julia Lokey Phelps, all of Wilsonville; brother, David Montgomery Phelps, of Tucker, Ga.; brother, Samuel Craig Phelps, of Montgomery; nephew, Andrew Richardson Phelps, of Mobile; brother, Joseph Richardson Phelps, of Sylacauga; and nephew, Matthew Glenn Phelps, of Columbiana. He is preceded in death by his father, Richardson Phelps, Jr., and by his nephew, Joseph Richardson Phelps, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at his church, 2 p.m., Thursday, June 30, 2011 at Victory Baptist Church, 8014 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, Md., 21713, (301) 432-5055, Victorybaptistmd.com. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the church.

Later this summer there will be an interment ceremony for both Tony and his father, Commander Richardson Phelps, Jr., at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium in Annapolis, Md.

The Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home in Boonsboro has been entrusted with the arrangements and expressions of sympathy and additional information is available at BastStaufferFuneralHome.com.