Homer Root Phelps Jr. ’52

Root Phelps died on Jan. 6, 1999, of complications from a head injury. His memorial service was held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Chevy Chase, Md., with interment in the Arlington Natl. Cemetery Columbarium.

Root had been memorialized by two former ambassadors as "one of that unique, now threatened, breed of Foreign Service officers known as the Old German Hands," and an "unabashed and passionate cold warrior," who "didn't live in Berlin, but breathed Berlin." Root joined the army in 1953, married Sally Hurl in 1954, and then served two years at the Rhein Main military base in Germany He completed his degree thereafter at Syracuse.

Joining the Foreign Service in 1958, Root served in Stuttgart, Warsaw, Washington, DC, Berlin, and Bonn, specializing as military-political officer. He also worked for seven years in the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, sharing in negotiations in Vienna and Geneva. He was twice awarded the Department of State Meritorious Award; in addition, he received the US Baltic Foundation's Public Service Leadership Award (1998) and Germany's Verdienstkreuz (1987), that country's highest civilian award. He retired in 1985.

Root is survived by his wife, Sally, children Mark, Dana, Aaron, Ann, and Sarah, and grandchildren Danille, Colette, and Rebecca. We extend to them our deep condolences.

The Class of 1952