Obituary of John Edward Phelps

" Bondsville— John E. Phelps, 94, of State St., formerly of 295 Laurelton St., Springfield, died June 7, 2002 at home. Born in Keene, NH Oct. 12, 1907, the son of the late Austin C. and Florence (Messer) Phelps. He was a Army Veteran of WWII, 328 Inf., 26 division, at the Bulge, he received a bronze star and Croix de Guerre. He was a graduate of Powers Institute, Bernardston and of Massachusetts School of Art, B.A., class of 1931. He taught art for 40 years, he was employed at G.W.V. Smith Art Museum and the Holyoke museum Wistariahurst. He also taught many adult art classes in the surrounding areas He was a past member of the Deerfield Valley Art Association, member of the Springfield Academic Artists Association, Western Mass. Genealogy Association, and the Phelps Connections Genealogy Association, member of the Yankee Division Association. John had published, The Forgotten Mural Painters of Springfield, 1933-1937 in 1993. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Gladys (True) Phelps, sons Jason T. Phelps of Springfield and Joel E, Phelps of Bondsville, 5 brothers Robert S of Northfield, Stanley of NH, George and Raymond of Nevada & Charlie of MA, 3 sisters Betty Bolton and, Dorothy Russell of Greenfield, Ruth Phelps of CA. Also survived by 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter and 4 great grandchildren, also numerous nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by a son Vernon R. Phelps. A memorial service will be Wed. at 11:00 am at the BEERS & STORY PALMER FUNERAL HOME. Burial will be Thursday at 1:00 pm in Center Cemetery in Bernardston, MA. Donations in his memory may be made to Quaboag Valley Hospice, 103 Fairview St., Palmer, MA 01069"