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Phillip Mange

June 18, 2020
Kalamazoo, MI

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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 Victor (LaVonne) Mange of Frankfort, Michigan and daughter in law, Michell Tallent Mange of Germantown, Maryland. 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 at www.joldersma-klein.com.