Kurt Philipps

Mr. Kurt A. Philipps, Jr., beloved husband of Marcia Cury Philipps, devoted father of Judson M., Gavin K. and wife, Hilary, Logan K. and Graydon C. Philipps, Amy K. Parker and husband, Scott, and Mark Whited, dear son of Norrine Trost and the late Kurt A. Philipps, Sr., brother of Al Philipps and wife, Jeanne, grandfather of Tristan Jenner Philipps, brother-in-law of Rod D. Cury of Richlands, Virginia, dear friend of Antonio Andrews and Aramis Brittan, also survived by three nieces, two nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mr. Kurt A. Philipps, Jr., age 57, died Thursday, September 4, 2003 at his residence in Cincinnati, Ohio from complications of brain cancer. He was a partner in the law firm of Deters, Benzinger and LaVelle, P.S.C. and one of the foremost trial attorneys in Greater Cincinnati. Mr. Philipps handled dozens of high profile cases for St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the Diocease of Covington. He also represented individuals in family and criminal matters. Gerald Benzinger, managing partner of the firm praised Mr. Philipps for his compassion in dealing with clients. ?So many clients have told me over the years that they appreciated not just Kirt?s legal skill in working on their cases, but his consoling and comforting manner and the emotional support he offered them,? said Mr. Benzinger. His colleaugues attributed his prowess in handling jury trials to his strong spirituality and his love of people. Mr. Philipps literally wrote the book on Kentucky trial and appellate practice. He was the author of Volumes 6 and 7 in the annotated treatise, Kentucky Practice and Procedure (7th ed. 1995). He co-authored a prior edition of the same treatise with Federal District Court Judge William O. Bertelsman. ?Kurt was a very talented individual and an excellent trial lawyer,? said Bertelsman. ?Kurt was easily the most knowledgeable lawyer I ever knew in the areas of trial procedure and evidence,? said David Kramer, who along with Mr. Philipps and David Burleigh, was co-authoring the next edition of the same treatise. A native of San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Philipps received a B. A. from Southwest Texas University in 1967, then a Masters of Religious Education and a Law Degree from Southern Methodist University. After serving as a Methodist minister and practicing law in Dallas, Texas, he moved to northern Kentucky where he served as minister to Grace Methodist Church in Newport, Kentucky and a law professor at Northern Kentucky University?s Salmon P. Chase College of Law from 1975 through 1978 before entering private practice. For twenty years he was an adjunct professor health care law at Xavier University. While he loved teaching, he considered himself a life long learner. He was a voracious reader particularly appreciating the works of Henri Nouwen, Thoms Merton, Dietrich Bonhoffer, and Wendell Berry. Mr. Philipps wife, Marcia Cury Philipps, a former Richlands, Virginia resident, said of her husband, ?Kurt was the finest human being I have ever known. His love and generosity were boundless. His love and devotion to me, his children and step children was exceeded only by his love for God and Jesus Christ. When Mark, his then 22 year old step-son needed a kidney transplant, Kurt did not hesitate. He knew that he was a compatible donor, God told him so. That successful transplant took place seven years ago this October 1. Kurt?s desire to know and follow God guided his life.? Kurt?s children gathered to say this about their dad. ?He was an inspiration to each of us in numerous ways. His love of flowers, nature, teaching, spirituality and faith along with his selflessness will continue on through the lives and works of his six children, their spouses, and grandchildren.? Mr. Philipps served as a mentor through the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative for seven years. The young men he mentored, Antonio Andrews, 15 and Aramis Britten, 13 impacted his life. He loved them and cherished the reciprocity of their relationship. On May 15th, Mr. Philiipps received the 2003 Child Advocacy Award from the Children?s Law Center of Northern Kentucky for this tireless work on behalf of children in Kentucky and Ohio. Mr. Philipps, an active member of Anderson Hills United Methodist Church, was a Stephens Minister. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, September 9th at 4:00 p.m. at the Anderson Hills United Methodist Church, Beechmont Ave. and Forest Rd. with reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. Memorials to Anderson Hills United Methodist Church or Cinti Youth Collaborative/Mentoring Program or the Children?s Law Center Northern Kentucky or Hosea House Northern Kentucky or the Arc of Hamilton Co. Obituary submitted by the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.