Phelps' estranged son, Nate, recently reported his father was on his deathbed and had been excommunicated from the church he built in the 1950s. "I feel sad for all the hurt he’s caused so many. I feel sad for those who will lose the grandfather and father they loved," Nate posted on Facebook.

Tim Phelps—another of Fred's sons who is still affiliated with WBC—confirmed the death.

For years, members of the church picketed the funerals of gay men and even soldiers, waving incendiary placards reading "God Hates Fags" and “Thank God for Dead Soldiers."  Ironically, the WBC has inadvertently helped drive pro-LGBT forces, as well—from concerned allies blocking them at funerals to the creation of Equality House, an LGBT resource center right across the street from the Phelps compound.

While its unclear who will succeed Phelps as leader of Westboro, it's unlikely his death will signal the end of the church.