Philip Judson (P.J.) Demster

Philip Judson "P.J." Demster, age 91, resident of Memphis and United States Veteran, departed this life Friday morning, June 24, 2016 surrounded by his family at the Methodist North Hospital in Memphis.

Services of Remembrance for Mr. Demster were conducted at 12 Noon Monday, June 27, 2016 at the Rossville United Methodist Church with Dr. Roger Joseph officiating. He was assisted by Dr. Ray Newcomb. A Private Family Interment will be in the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center - Main Chapel of Somerville.

Philip was born October 11, 1924 in Sandridge, Illinois. He graduated from Gorham High School in 1942 and was a veteran of the United States Navy where he served as a Naval Aviator for 29 years, receiving his commission and wings on May 8, 1945 and retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 1971. He resided in Memphis where he was a lifetime deacon at the First Baptist Church of Millington. He was also active later in life with the church choir at Rossville United Methodist Church.

Philip is survived by his four children, Cheryl Sanders of Memphis, Sandra Fransioli (William, Sr.) of Rossville, David Demster of Memphis, Randal Demster (Kelly) of Frisco, Texas; his brother, Everett Demster of Lakeland, Florida; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 58 years, Eva Mae McClelland Demster, who died January 30, 2007; his parents, Walter E. Demster and Carrie Mankin Demster; and three sisters, Maxine Smith, Virginia Graham and Kathleen Stevenson.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Ben Bennett, Dan Schroeppel, Holden Ryan, Logan Sanders, William Fransioli and Mitch Griffin.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Rossville United Methodist Church Building Fund, 56 Main Street, Rossville, TN 38066 or LeBonheur Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174.