C. Kermit Phelps was born December 4, 1908 in Newton, Kansas to Clifford and Eva (Bradshaw) Phelps. He had two siblings, including a sister, Clementine (Phelps) Martin. Phelps attended the University of Kansas, where he earned his Bachelor's (1934), Master's (1949, Psychology), and Doctorate (1952, Psychology) degrees. In earning this last degree, Phelps became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from KU. He also attended the Menninger Foundation's Clinical Psychology Program.

Phelps later returned to KU as an Associate Professor of Psychiatry; due to this, he is considered the University's first African American faculty member. He also taught at Avila College, Marymount College, and Conception Seminary.

For 31 years, Phelps worked at the Kansas City, Missouri Veteran's Administration Hospital, rising to Chief of Psychological Services and Associate Chief of Staff for Education. He also had a private practice and began The Life Enrichment Series at the Shepard Center.

Phelps was active in numerous professional organizations, including the Missouri Psychological Association (of which he was president), the Advisory Committee for Professional Services of the Mental Health Association, and the Recreation for Handicapped Council (of which he was Vice Chairman). He served on the Board of various organizations, such as the Missouri Mental Health Association, St. Mary Hospital, and the Neurological Hospital Association. Phelps not only taught at but also served on the Board of Regents at Rockhurst College and St. Mary's College.

Phelps participated in various community organizations, including the Rotary Club, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the AARP. He served as a board member and as Chairman of the Board of this latter group. For his work with the AARP, a scholarship was established at the University of Southern California for those wishing to pursue geriatrics. Phelps received numerous awards and commendations for his work and public service, including the Veteran's Administration Civil Servant of the Year Award and the University of Kansas Distinguished Service Citation.

Phelps married Lucille Mallory. The couple had two daughters, Patricia and Constance. C. Kermit Phelps passed away in 2002.