Name: Bernard D. Phelps Date: November 13th, 1933 - July 24th, 2010 Obituary: Bernard Delano (Bernie) Phelps, Age 76, of Dunedin, Florida, died Saturday July 24th at Westchester Gardens Rehabilitation and Care Center in Clearwater. Bernie was born November 13, 1933 in Flint, Michigan. He was the fourth child of Maurice and Pauline (McCullough) Phelps. The family soon moved to Fostoria, Michigan where he attended Fostoria grade school, and later Mayville High school, where he graduated as class president in 1951. He attended General Motors Technical Institute. He then served in the U S Army, with a tour in Germany in tank maintenance. Upon discharge, Bernie obtained employment as a lineman with Michigan Bell. He was later elected President of his local union. He rose through the ranks and ultimately retired as District Manager with AT&T. Later he moved to Dunedin, Florida where he became an active member of New Purpose Community Church. Bernie was predeceased by his parents, his son, Wayne, and his brother Donald. Left to cherish his legacy and memory are: his loving companion, Nancy Emerson, of Dunedin, his children, David of New Port Richey, Florida; Cheryl Phelps Cottrell (husband Cole), of Grayling, Michigan; Denise Safron, (Husband Charles (Chas) Lehnert) of Riverview, Florida; and John Safron of Grand Rapids, Michigan, his siblings, Evelyn Phelps Childs of Glendale, Arizona; Ronald (wife Audrey) of Hampton, Virginia; and Warren of Chandler, Arizona, his former wives, Betty Brown Phelps of Grayling, Michigan and Carol Safron Phelps of Grand Rapids, Michigan, plus his loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Bernie’s numerous medical care givers during a tumultuous fight against cancer, including dear friends Dr’s. Julie Kish and Ronald Ford of Tampa for their family counsel and support. We want to express profound appreciation for the highest level of professional and compassionate care of Bernie during his last days at Westchester Gardens. Final professional arrangements are being provided by Curlew Hills Funeral Home of Palm Harbor. A memorial service will be held at New Purpose Community Church, 32919 U S Highway 19 S, Palm Harbor, FL (727) 501-2154 at 1:00 P.M. Thursday July 29, 2010 with pastor, Jim Sisk and brothers Ronald and Warren presiding. The private committal will be at Bay Pines National Cemetery, St Petersburg, Florida Services: 1:00PM at New Purpose Community Church on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 (map/driving directions) Cemetery: Bay Pines VA Cemetery 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. St. Petersburg, FL 33708 (map/driving directions)