John Phelps Endowed Scholarship

John Howard Phelps was born on January 17, 1936, in the countryside near Kosse, Texas, to Quint E. and Nona Truett Phelps. A proud son of a peanut farmer, he graduated from Kosse High School and earned a degree in Agriculture from Sam Houston State University, where he married his high school sweetheart, Wynell Williams. After serving in the U.S. Navy, John began his career as a teacher before joining State Farm Insurance in 1962, where he built one of the company’s most successful agencies from his home garage through hard work and determination. Deeply dedicated to his community, he served as Pasadena City Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem, as well as President of the Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, and Southeast Economic Development Association. A faithful member of South Avenue Baptist Church, John was widely respected for his leadership, generosity, and service, earning numerous honors including Pasadena Citizen of the Year, Hall of Fame inductee, and Pasadena ISD Distinguished Citizen of the Year. His legacy of faith, perseverance, and service continues to inspire all who knew him.