January 19, 1948 – November 12, 2022

Phillip Eugene Gallagher of Glenwood Springs died Saturday, November 12, 2022 in his home. He was born on January 19, 1948 in Pittsburg, Kansas to George Jacob and Elizabeth Rachel Spicer Gallagher and had one brother, Jim Gallagher, all of whom proceeded him in death.
After graduating high school Phil attended Kansas State University College at Pittsburg where he studied art. He was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Navy.
After the Navy Phil made his way to Glenwood Springs. A longtime resident of Glenwood Phil was a bartender at some of the old-time local hangouts including the Epicurean, Hotel Colorado, the Springs and the Loft. Phil also owned Gallagher Optical for 30 years and was very proud of the ladies’ fast pitch softball team that his business sponsored.
Phil was a member of the Elks Lodge for 33 years. He was a main fixture at the “Hill” golf club where he spent countless hours, days and weekends playing golf and will be remembered for his Sunday gathering of the “Gallagher Gaggle” which started with a mere 4 golfers and grew to as many as 36 on any given Sunday. He enjoyed bird hunting in Kansas and Nebraska, big game hunting in Colorado, watching NFL football and he never missed an opportunity to do a little swing dancing with the ladies.
A celebration of life will be held at the Elk’s Lodge in West Glenwood at a later date. In his honor a “Gallagher Gaggle” golf tournament is being planned for next spring.
Phil was an incredible friend to so many and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. RIP Duke.