Robert T. Philipak, formerly of Benton
Robert T. Philipak, 85, longtime Benton High School teacher, died at 7:46 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, in Prairie Grove, Ark.
Mr. Philipak graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1958 and began his teaching career in Royalton. While attending SIU to complete his master's degree, he taught in Summerville. In 1963 he moved to Benton High School, where he taught English and Illinois history, and was a guidance counselor until 1976. He was interim principal in 1972.
In July 1976, Mr. Philipak, his wife Marilyn, also an educator, and their two children, Marsha and Michael, moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he served as a guidance and placement counselor until 1985 at Parents' Cooperative School, the international school run by Trans World Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
Leaving Saudi Arabia in 1985, he and his wife spent one year in Juan Les Pins, France, where Mr. Philipak taught at an international school before returning to the United States. He finished his career serving as a guidance counselor in Elkins, Ark., where he and Marilyn ultimately retired.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; and his two children: Marsha Philipak-Chambers who currently serves in Bridgetown, Barbados, with the U.S. Department of State; and MAJ Michael Philipak (ret.), who serves in Washington, D.C., with the Customs and Border Protection Agency.
He also is survived by grandchildren Adam Jefferson on assignment in Kabul, Afghanistan; Roman Jefferson of Cortez, Colo.; SSgt. Haley Heim of Spangdahlem, Germany; and Andres Ruvalcaba, Aaron Philipak, Andrew Philipak, Nicholas Philipak and Arissia Philipak, all of Fredericksburg, Va.
Mr. Philipak asked that he be cremated and that no service be held. He wished only to be remembered by his former students for what he hoped he contributed to their educations. Many, however, will likely remember him by his characteristic whistle in the hallways of BCHS and his ever-present pipe. Throughout his life, his fondest memories were of the students and faculty in Benton. He remembered all of your names and faces until the day he died.