Philip Wampler died on August 4, 2005 at the age of 38 years. Philip
became a member of the Greater Virginia Chapter in approximately 1984 when he was a teenager. His parents, Melvin and Glenda, joined the reconstituted Chapter with Philip. The family lived in Bridgewater, VA where his father and mother were involved in education.
Philip never made any particular contributions to the Studebaker cause. He never owned a Studebaker, in fact, he never drove one. However, Philip was always at Chapter meetings and tours and he loved to ride in his parent's 1950 Land Cruiser which was purchased new by a great-uncle. You see, Philip was what society calls a handicapped person. Philip loved cars and found it very frustrating as he grew from youth to adulthood in not being able to drive any car. It was very difficult for Philip to grow and not be able to do those things we did as teenagers and young adults. Even though this frustration surfaced from time to time and made life difficult for his family, he also found pleasure in taking things apart and making old radios and sound equipment work. Philip loved to talk and he would call family and friends daily to keep everyone abreast of current events in Town and at home.
No, Philip never made the news stories of Studebaker lore, was known by a very small group of Studebaker folks, but, for those folks, he was an important person. I'll bet the angels have fixed up a Studebaker for Philip to drive.
Philip is survived by his parents; his sister, Pamela; his brother-in-law, Marshall Butler; a niece and two nephews.
by Frank Drumheller, friend of the family
became a member of the Greater Virginia Chapter in approximately 1984 when he was a teenager. His parents, Melvin and Glenda, joined the reconstituted Chapter with Philip. The family lived in Bridgewater, VA where his father and mother were involved in education.
Philip never made any particular contributions to the Studebaker cause. He never owned a Studebaker, in fact, he never drove one. However, Philip was always at Chapter meetings and tours and he loved to ride in his parent's 1950 Land Cruiser which was purchased new by a great-uncle. You see, Philip was what society calls a handicapped person. Philip loved cars and found it very frustrating as he grew from youth to adulthood in not being able to drive any car. It was very difficult for Philip to grow and not be able to do those things we did as teenagers and young adults. Even though this frustration surfaced from time to time and made life difficult for his family, he also found pleasure in taking things apart and making old radios and sound equipment work. Philip loved to talk and he would call family and friends daily to keep everyone abreast of current events in Town and at home.
No, Philip never made the news stories of Studebaker lore, was known by a very small group of Studebaker folks, but, for those folks, he was an important person. I'll bet the angels have fixed up a Studebaker for Philip to drive.
Philip is survived by his parents; his sister, Pamela; his brother-in-law, Marshall Butler; a niece and two nephews.
by Frank Drumheller, friend of the family