Phillip “Phil” Elvin Carrico, 1929-2019

Phillip “Phil” Elvin Carrico, age 90, of Daisetta passed away at his home on Dec. 7. He was born on Sept. 6, 1929 in Silsbee to parents Vernon G. Carrico and Bobbie Davis Carrico.

Phil had an adventurous life. After graduating from Hull-Daisetta High School, he joined the United States Navy and served with the elite Naval Frogmen Underwater Demolition Teams in the Korean War. He was wounded in action and received a bronze star for heroic action in combat. The UDT teams were the beginning of our modern day Navy Seals. He was an American Hero. After serving in the military, he went on to get a college degree from San Diego State University and went to work for 28 years for the City of Los Angeles in Recreation and Parks. He directed community centers for years in some of the roughest neighborhoods in L.A. He was deeply loved for developing excellent programs for kids through senior citizens in all the communities he served. He was promoted later in his career to City Supervisor of Aquatics. He managed all lakes and pools in the greater Los Angeles area where he had a staff of over 3,000 employees. After retirement, he and his wife, Laura Ann Carrico, moved back to their hometown area, first in Ames, then to Daisetta.

Phil began his writing career after retirement. He has had five books published and was a columnist for The Liberty Vindicator for many years. Phil was a member of the national VFW Chapter, the Fifties Frogs Association and the Naval Special Forces Association. He also served as vice-president and president for the Hull-Daisetta Golden Oldies alumni organization. He was also a long time member of the Liberty Historical Society.

Phil loved sports and the outdoors. He was a Hull-Daisetta Bobcat for life and his heart overflowed with love for his family and friends. He never met a stranger and he kept his good disposition in all weathers. Phil touched the lives of so many with his quick wit and inspirational humor. He was the life of the party and he will carry on that tradition with loved ones and family in Heaven.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Audra Davis, Bobbie Basham, Martell Fregia and Laverne Denby; sons, Ronny and Ricky Carrico; grandson, Larry Dale Erwin; and great-grandson, R.D. Moore. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Laura Ann Carrico; sister, Virgil Hamilton; son, Randy Carrico and wife Pam; daughter, Darnell Shaw and husband Ray; son, Garland Taylor and wife Brenda; son, Jimmy Taylor; and daughter, Brenda Fonden. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves behind numerous other loving family members, friends and respected colleagues.

Honoring the family by serving as pallbearers are Cole Costlow, Dylan and Tyler Varnon, Zachary Taylor, Evan Basham, Spud Basham, Craig Basham and Doug Denby.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12 to 2 p.m. in the chapel at Allison Funeral Service, 1101 N. Travis St., Liberty, TX 77575. Funeral Services will begin at 2 p.m. Burial and committal will immediately follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Daisetta,

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting allisonfuneralservice.com.