Skip to main content

Retired TDNA Executive VP Philip Austin Berkebile

Philip Austin Berkebile, Sr, who served as executive vice president of the Texas Daily Newspaper Association for 22 years, died May 1 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was 83.
He retired from the Texas Daily Newspaper Association in 2004 after serving 22 years in Austin. He was Executive Director of the Nebraska Press Association in Lincoln from 1973 – 1985. Prior to these positions Philip worked as the general manager of the Hastings, Nebraska and Dodge City, Kansas Chambers of Commerce; and executive assistant to Kansas U.S. Congressman Robert E. Ellsworth. He also held positions with the Kansas City, Kansas Chamber of Commerce; Great Plains Wheat Corporation; and the Abilene, Kansas Reflector-Chronicle Newspaper.
Professional accomplishments during his 38-year journalistic career include resolutions adopted by both the Texas House of Representatives and Texas State Senate recognizing his efforts in regard to First Amendment and Freedom of Information issues. He served as president of the Newspaper Association Managers of America, president of American Newspaper Representatives, director of the National Newspaper Association, director of the American Newspaper Publishers Association, director of the Texas Tech University School of Journalism, president of the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi, and president of the Organization of Newspaper Advertising Directors.
Berkebile is survived by his wife of 63 years Judy (Blasi) Berkebile of Lincoln, seven children, 16 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and other relatives.
A celebration of life coordinated by Roper & Sons of Lincoln, Nebraska will be announced and held at a later date. Burial will be in Wellington, Kansas. Memorials may be directed to the Wellington, Kansas Humane Society 203 W. Hillside Rd, P.O. Box 494, Wellington, KS  67152.