Howard Clyde Pherigo

Howard “Champ” Clyde Pherigo was born on August 22, 1953, to Howard and Curly (Rickards) Pherigo in Wichita, Kansas.He left this life on October 26, 2025.

Champ was a rough-and-tumble cowboy who loved knives, guns, the Kansas City Chiefs, a good project, and an even better conversation.

He was tough as leather, stubborn as a mule, and rough around the edges. He rarely met a stranger he couldn’t talk to for hours, and his quick wit and stories often left people laughing.

He spent many years as a roofer and took great pride in his work. He loved pointing out every building he’d ever roofed—and, of course, had a story to go along with each one.

Although he showed it in his own way, he loved his family deeply, lived boldly, and had a growl that everyone knew meant love in its own right.

Champ was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marie Gottschalk; his brother, Billy Joe Pherigo; and his son, Jason Pherigo.

He is survived by Bobbie Whitworth; children, Katy (Dustin) Lentz, Ellen Haukom, Tracy Whitworth, and Junior Whitworth; grandchildren, Tiffany (Buck), Trisha (Brandon), Lacy (Austin), Dakota (Jade), Jet, Leland, Briana, Olivia, Miles, Isabel, Maddox, Silas, Kory (Corie), Kyle, and Kaylie; and great-grandchildren, Rucker, Remi, Troy, Kinsleigh, Autumn, Scarlett, Mayson, David, Cooper, Josie, Paxon, and Jetson. He is also survived by his siblings, Sharon (Johnny) Malandt, Pam (George) Hyler, and Teddy Ray Pherigo, along with many nieces and nephews—and most importantly (as he would say), his five dogs.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren thought the world of their Papa Champ. To them, he was funny, stubborn, and always there to save the day.

He’ll be missed by many and remembered for his humor, his hard edges, and the ornery spark that made him one of a kind.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, at Spirit/Boeing Lake Pavilion, 4226 S. Gold, Wichita, Kansas 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.