Philip William Sykes

The song may have ended, but the melody lives on.

Obituary

Philip William Sykes, aged 73, passed away on April 27, 2026, in Cedar Hill, Texas. Born on July 20, 1952, in Pasadena, California,

Phil grew up with a curious mind and a generous heart. He graduated from North High School in Torrance, California, where he earned a Sammy Saxon and lettered in Debate—early signs of the thoughtful, expressive person he would become. He later attended El Camino College, studying Speech and Computer Sciences, fields that blended his love of communication and problem‑solving.

Phil spent many dedicated years with Ricoh Corporation, but the work he was proudest of was the kind that touched people directly. At Lawndale Christian Church, he poured his creativity into the visual and dramatic arts worship teams—designing sets, performing, writing, and directing plays and skits that brought joy, laughter, and meaning to his church family. His imagination was a gift he shared freely.

At home, Phil was happiest with a guitar in his hands, playing not for perfection but for the simple love of music. He was also a devoted fan of science fiction, always ready to dive into a new book or show and share it with anyone willing to listen. His warmth, humor, and boundless curiosity made him easy to love and impossible to forget.

Phil’s greatest devotion was to his family. He was devoted to his wife, Jennifer Sykes, and treasured every moment with his children—Patricia Marshall, Benjamin Sykes, and his stepsons Paul and Cody Perkins. Nothing brought him more joy than being “Grandpa” to Leo and LeeAndra Marshall, whom he doted on endlessly. He is also survived by his sister, Gerina St. Amant, and his brother, Curtis Sykes. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Michialle Sykes, and his parents, William and Marjorie Sykes.

Phil will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his devotion to the people he loved, and the way he made every room brighter just by being in it. His legacy lives on in his family, in the stories he told, in the art he created, and in the countless lives he touched.

Gallery

Memory wall

May 24, 2026

My cousin Phil was always very intelligent and full of energy! It has been years since we saw each other. As a child, we would visit his family regularly (his mom and dad-Aunt Marge and Uncle Bill) Several aunts/uncles/cousins would visit their home at the same time and the party was always a wonderful memory of new experiences!! I truly miss those times of childhood wonder and family gatherings. Phil will be very missed.

Wendy Kelley

May 9, 2026

How can I describe Phil? He was not only a mentor but also a friend. Warm, sincere, funny, and wise, he illuminated every moment. He shared numerous stories about his life, career, and family. Whenever I needed help, he was always there. It’s truly heartbreaking that he didn’t witness the team he created thrive and expand.

Christopher Lopez

May 9, 2026

I remember visiting California during summer break and all of us kids would be in Phil’s backyard in the tent and he would play his guitar. There was a night where our parents were going out to dinner and the older children were in charge of making dinner. Phil led the charge on that and we decided to make goulash. I have no idea what spices we put in it because we were grabbing spices and said let’s put some of this in too. When we finished making the goulash Aunt Margie tasted it and said it was the best she had ever tasted. When we visited Phil and family we always had the best of times being goofy kids when life was simpler. Thanks for the memories Phil!

Karen Warren

May 9, 2026

It was an honor to be a part of Phil's life, for him to share his wisdom, knowledge, humor, and overall spirit. He will be dearly missed but I take comfort knowing that I and anyone else he met will carry on his overall lust for life and learning.
Thank you for everything Phil.

Chris McNelis

May 7, 2026

So glad we were able to witness your love and knowledge and Space! Thank you for loving our friend Jennie so well. This world is better because you were in it. Until we meet again on the other side.
John 16:33

Lonnie and Shari Anderson

May 1, 2026

Got this picture from a coworker, it is a much younger Phil, but I thought I would share. I always enjoyed hanging out and talking with Phil, with whom I worked at Ricoh for quite a few years. He will be missed.

steve sanderson

May 1, 2026

Sad to hear of Phil's passing this week. I'd lost touch after his move to Texas so many years ago, but thought of him often. He was my first instructor at Ricoh when I was working for a Savin/Ricoh dealer, later my CAT/SPIRE auditor, and then finally as a valued member of the outstanding team I had the opportunity to lead, supporting technical training for Ricoh dealer and direct technicians through out the Western United States.
A font of knowledge and a reservoir of experience Phil's most special quality was how deeply he cared about his students, his peers, and co-workers at Ricoh.
One of my most fond memories though was when I shared with Phil that I was trying to learn playing guitar again after a brief flirtation with it as an adolescent. Phil was immediately charged up, so excited to hear of my quest and eager to share his own ongoing journey in that realm. You could tell he truly loved playing.
Nothing but fond memories of my time with Phil. May God bless him in his next journey (I am sure it will involve a guitar) and may God bless Phil's family.

Mike McGervey

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