Phil Archer

Phil Archer



Retired Choteau barber and veteran, Warren "Phil" Archer, 84, died July 18, 2021, in Choteau after a long illness.



Phil was born on July 19, 1936, to Jesse and Edith Archer in Sioux City, Iowa, and grew up in Staples, Minnesota. He graduated from high school and then attended college, studying to be a physical education teacher, before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and serving a four-year hitch.



He came to Great Falls to set up the "Lobster Trap," a fresh fish and lobster house. He later managed the Great Falls Elks Club, one of various jobs he held throughout his life.



He married Peggy (Callender) Spittler on Dec. 6, 1986, in Stanford. They both worked in a clothing factory in Great Falls. After the company closed and left the state, they both went to Dahl's School of Beauty in Great Falls, and Phil also attended a barber's school in Missoula.



Phil's training was interrupted by a life-threatening illness, which he lived through, and was able to complete his training as a barber and beautician. He then joined his wife in Choteau, where they opened Archer's Country Classics Hair Design and worked together for more than 20 years until his illness forced his retirement. They were married for 34 and a half years.



One of the many jobs that he held over his life was driving a route bus for the Choteau school system for eight years.



He studied for many years to become minister though he was unable to attain that goal.



Phil was a kind and gentle soul, loved by his family and friends. His family called him their "rock" and their "joy." Peggy said he was her best friend, her love and her soul mate.



Phil is survived by his wife of Choteau; his sons, Mark Spittler, John Archer, Mike Archer and Phillip Archer; his daughters, Leigh Rowland, Teri Cohn, Deana Schlereth and Neala Steury; and many grand- and great-grandchildren and other relatives.



A service will be held at a later date. Gorder-Jensen Funeral Home of Choteau is handling arrangements.