Frederick Eugene Phalen

Fred Phalen, age 85, of Knoxville, TN passed away Monday December 28, 2020. He was a member of All Saint’s Catholic Parish. Fred was an avid golfer, champion spider solitaire player, and a fan of classic country music. Fred joined the Navy at age 17, and reenlisted with the Army where he rose through the ranks to retire as a Sergeant Major. Fred settled his family in Knoxville, TN in 1979 when he was assigned as an advisor to the 278th Infantry. After retiring from the Army, Fred went to work for TVA, retiring as a Federal Police Officer. Fred met the love of his life, Myung, at a deli in Ft. Hood, TX in 1962. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather, always working to ensure his family was taken care of. He was a heavily decorated Vietnam Veteran, receiving two Bronze Stars with the “V” device for heroic actions that enabled his platoon to evacuate an ambush with no casualties. Fred was always a jokester and went out of his way to help anyone in need. He is preceded in death by parents Francis and Anna Phalen; brother Peter Phalen; Sisters Barbara Robson, and Judy Phalen; uncle Joseph Pollock; Aunt Mary Lambert. He is survived by loving spouse of 56 years, Myung Phalen; daughters Anna (Steve) Dark, Lorraine Phalen; grandsons Cole and Luke Dark; grand dogs, Matilda, Charlie, and Lucy; and numerous extended family in Ohio and Georgia. There will be a Call at Convenience Sunday January 10, 2021 from 12pm-5pm at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel. A funeral Mass will be held Monday January 11, 2021 at 10:30am at All Saint’s Catholic Parish, Father Doug Owens presiding, with burial to follow at East Tennessee Veteran Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville at 2pm with full military honors provided by East TN Volunteer Honor Guard. Due to the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic, the family asks that masks and social distancing be honored if attending any of the services. Live streaming of both services will be available and links can be obtained by reaching out to the family. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in Fred’s honor to All Saint’s Catholic Parish, 620 N. Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville TN 37923 or Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. Online condolences can be left at www.mynattfh.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mynatt Funeral Home, Knoxville, TN.