Philip “Darren” Ramsey, a member of Christ Chapel Church in Brownwood and a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Gulf War, died Sept. 15, 2026. He was 60.
Arrangements are under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home. Ramsey’s obituary was posted by KOXE on Sept. 18.
Military service and accomplishments
Ramsey began his military service with the U.S. Air Force. During the Gulf War, he served as a Black Beret assigned to the Air Force Tactical Air Control Party, or TACP. The obituary describes TACP as an elite Special Warfare team whose members operate with front-line ground combat units to call in precision airstrikes and direct air power.
After the war, Ramsey was assigned to the 101st Airborne and later to the 187th Infantry, Iron Rakkasans, at Fort Campbell. He was known by the nickname and call sign “Rammer.” His military service included receiving the Purple Heart, along with other achievements.
The obituary says Ramsey loved God and country and served both with honor and courage.
Family, faith and interests
Ramsey was born Jan. 30, 1966, in Concord, California, to Dean and Frankie Williams Ramsey. He attended Lodi High School, then completed high school at Aubrey High School after his family moved back to Texas. He later attended Grayson County College.
Outside his military service, Ramsey was skilled in martial arts and enjoyed boxing, fishing and hunting. He especially liked catching catfish and trout. His interests also included classic cars and trucks, travel, football, knives and pocket watches.
The obituary describes Ramsey as a person whose faith ran deep and who had a strong love for his family and friends. It says he was tough on the outside but gentle on the inside.
He is survived by his wife, Andrea Ramsey; sons Joshua and Matthew Ramsey; step-son James Andrews; sister Dayleen Ramsey; and special aunts and cousins. His parents, Dean and Frankie Ramsey, and his infant son, Joseph Ramsey, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributions be made to a veterans foundation of the donor’s choice. Online condolences, memories and tributes may be shared with the family through Heartland Funeral Home’s website.