Lubbock Loses a True Hero: Honoring WWII Chaplain’s Assistant Phil Crenshaw

West Texas is mourning the loss of a true American hero. Phil Crenshaw, a longtime Lubbock resident and the last surviving Chaplain’s Assistant to serve in World War II, has passed away. Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) shared heartfelt words about his friend and fellow servant.

Arrington's Statement

“I’m saddened to learn of Phil Crenshaw’s passing. He was a dear friend and an inspiration for all Americans. Phil was a gentleman soldier who epitomized our greatest generation—humble, kind, and courageous.”

Crenshaw’s life was one of quiet service and powerful faith. In 2018, Congressman Arrington invited Crenshaw to Washington, D.C., to serve as Guest Chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives. That day, April 26, 2018, Crenshaw opened the House floor with a heartfelt prayer that reminded lawmakers—and all of us—of the importance of wisdom, humility, and service to others.

"The Sweetest Prayer You Ever Heard" - Arrington

“I will forever cherish the memory of him serving as Guest Chaplain opening the House floor with the sweetest prayer you ever heard.”

Crenshaw’s prayer that day was both simple and profound. He asked for blessings on the House members and for divine guidance in their decisions, saying:

“Dear Holy Father,It is with grateful hearts we begin this day with Thee, the Author and Finisher of our faith.We come praying for Thy blessing for every man and woman in this assembly, representing all the people of our great nation.We recognize our inability to exist at our best without Thy supreme wisdom, for Thou hast said, ‘A contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise.'And because of this, we seek supreme direction in the deliberation and our need for divine petition.We further recognize our imperfection and beseech Thy forgiveness when unintentional errors in judgment are forthcoming.Grant, dear Father, Thy unhindered blessing to all those assembled at this moment, remembering Thy words, ‘Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.’Thank you for loving us and praying that we may in turn love you with grateful overflowing hearts.In Jesus name we pray. Amen.”

A Hero's Legacy

Crenshaw’s legacy goes beyond one powerful prayer or one historic title. He represented the values that West Texans hold dear: faith, courage, community, and a willingness to serve. Whether he was on the battlefield, in the halls of Congress, or simply sharing a moment with friends and neighbors in Lubbock, Phil Crenshaw lived a life that made a difference.

As Congressman Arrington said:

“Mr. Crenshaw’s passing is a tremendous loss to our community and the end of a special era in our nation’s history.”

Rest easy, Mr. Crenshaw. West Texas won’t forget you!