Philip Sewell Medford

Philip Sewell Medford passed away in his home in Ogden, Utah in March of 2023. He will be laid to rest on Thursday, March 30th, 2023 at 11 a.m. in the Utah Veteran’s Memorial Park at the Urn Niche in Bluffdale, Utah where military honors will be accorded by members of the American Legion Post #72.

Philip was born in Portsmouth, VA to Thomas Stanley Sewell and Frances Chapman Peninger Medford on September 29, 1952. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Navy on November 22, 1971 and served until May 21, 1976. During his service in the Navy, he fought in Vietnam on the USS John Paul Jones. His service to our country continued in the Army National Guard from July 15, 1981 to January 31, 1995. 

He was a brilliant man with many talents who saw the world unlike any other being. He was an avid writer and especially loved to write science fiction stories. As a master storyteller he would often regale his family with his epic tales. He was an entrepreneur, an inventor, a creator, an artist and he was often found in his shop tinkering, building, and manufacturing. He had many aspirations in life but was most proud of his business, Medford Industries, where he was able to use his many talents to bring his many inventions to life.

Phil had a witty sense of humor and knack for impromptu comedic performances for his children. He was always ready with a joke and would often play pranks on his unsuspecting family. He was a free spirit and a rockhound who loved to take adventures in the mountains and wilderness searching for rocks, geodes, and crystals, always wanting to be in nature. In his later years he enjoyed fixing up and riding his bicycles.

Phil was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved Utah. He always made his way back to this beautiful state so it is fitting that Utah will be his final resting place.

Phil is survived by his six children, Shawn Medford, Shana Medford Stroh, Shan-Allan Phil Patrick Medford, E’Lanae Medford, Malaena Medford, Shalaena Medford; his son-in-law, Brandan Edward Stroh; his grandchildren, Aiden Del Clingan, Ashton Allen Clingan, Cullen Vincent Stanley Stroh, Aislynn Bridget Stroh, Audrina (Syl) Jean Johnson, Mateus Adair Johnson, Silas Nicholas Johnson, and Tidus Leland Pratt; his brother, Thomas Stanley Medford; his sisters, Lynn Medford Aaron and Nancy Medford Peterson; as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Thomas Stanley Sewell Medford and Frances Chapman Peninger Medford.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made in memory of Philip Sewell Medford to Veteran Assistance Programs. 

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