HAROLD L. PHELAN
Harold L. Phelan, 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, and servant of Christ, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Oct. 9, 2026. Born March 6, 1934, in Smyer, Texas, Harold lived a life marked by devotion to his faith, his family, his community, and the countless people he quietly lifted up along the way.
Raised by Jay Phelan and Phearby Wynn Phelan, Harold grew up in West Texas with a deep love for hard work, learning, and basketball. He graduated from Levelland High School in 1952, where he became a standout athlete and set the Texas UIL Boys Basketball State Tournament 3A individual high-score record, scoring 74 points across three games; a record that has stood as a testament not only to his talent, but to his grit and determination. He was named to the 1951–1952 UIL All-Tournament Team and the 1952 Texas All-Star Basketball Team, honors he cherished throughout his life.
Harold continued his education at Sul Ross College, graduating in 1958, and later earned his law degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 1962. It was there he met the love of his life, Marilyn Guetersloh, and the two were married on Sept. 1, 1960. Their 66 years of marriage was a living example of covenant love that was steady, joyful, and anchored in Christ.
Before beginning his legal career, Harold served his country proudly as a Corporal in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. Upon returning home, he taught and coached in the Levelland Independent School District, shaping young lives with the same encouragement and discipline he poured into his own children and grandchildren. Harold was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1961 and was Board Certified in Family Law. He was in private practice from 1961 to 2002, served as Hockley County Attorney from 1965 to 1980, and was honored to serve as the 286th District Judge for Hockley and Cochran Counties from 2003 to 2007. Harold practiced law like he played basketball: he expected to win.
He also founded and directed Little Dribblers Basketball, a nationwide program that touched generations of young athletes and became one of his proudest legacies of community service.
Harold is survived by his cherished wife, Marilyn, of Granbury, Texas; their children Pat Phelan and wife Cara, from Lubbock, TX; Scott Phelan and his wife Laura, from Edmonds, WA; and Kim Mayfield and her husband Robert, from Granbury, TX. He leaves behind grandchildren Ryan Phelan and wife Emily, from Levelland, TX; Katy Bell and husband Travis, from Lubbock, TX; Sydney Phelan, from Lubbock, TX; Claire Phelan, from Seattle, WA; Grace Phelan, from Los Angeles, CA; Rachel Phelan, from Spokane, WA; Michael Mayfield, from Cleburne, TX; and Reece Mayfield, from Fort Worth, TX. He was blessed with five great-grandchildren: Margot Phelan, Bridget Phelan, Atlee Bell, Chenery Bell and Olivia Bell, each of whom brought him immense joy.
Harold’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Allan Kelly and his staff; St. Gabriel Hospice & Palliative Care, especially Lydia Lampert and Kim Carter; and Nurse Next Door for their loving and compassionate care.
He will be laid to rest in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, a fitting honor for a man who devoted his life to serving his state and community. Pallbearers will be Ryan Phelan, Michael Mayfield, Reece Mayfield and Travis Bell.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Levelland, the Levelland Ministerial Alliance or Mission Granbury, organizations that reflect Harold’s lifelong commitment to faith and service.
Above all, Harold lived a life that pointed others to Jesus. His legacy is one of kindness, steadfastness, and love—a life well lived, a race well run, and a servant welcomed home.
Services under the care of Wiley Funeral Home, Granbury, TX.