Obituary

John W. Phillips

1927 - 2014

Obituary

John W. Phillips, 87, died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at his Newton residence.

He was born Aug. 6, 1927, in Newton to Wilbur P. and Sarah J. (Betz) Phillips. On May 22, 1949, he married Gwen Richards in Newton, and she survives of the home.

John was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Newton, where he served as head usher. He retired as an engineer on the Santa Fe Railroad after 30 plus years. John also farmed and raised livestock on his farm south of Newton. He served his country in the National Guard for 18 1/2 years.

John raised championship sheep and showed them at many fairs and livestock shows, including showing at the Kansas State Fair for 50 years. He was the sheep leader for the Lucky 13 4-H Club in Harvey County for many years. John enjoyed woodworking and carpentry and built the home he and his wife have lived in since 1952. He enjoyed nature and animals, especially his horse Ricky and his burrows.

John is survived by his wife, Gwen of the home; son, Monte Phillips of Newton; and daughter, Marcie Phillips of Valley Center. He has two granddaughters and their husbands, Stephanie and Gary Merritt of Andover, and Kristin and Spike Anderson of Valley Center. He is also survived by his adopted son, Tan Lee and his family of Newton, and four great-grandchildren, John and his wife, Alli Turner, Jordan Turner and Emma and Isaac Anderson, and two step great-grandchildren, Hayden and Chase Merritt.

John was preceded in death by his parents and step brother, Vernon Phillips.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at Salem United Methodist Church in Newton, with Pastor Nancy Crowl and Chaplain Bill Eichelberger presiding. Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Petersen Funeral Home. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Newton.

Memorials are suggested to Good Shepherd Hospice or Caring Hands Humane Society in care of Petersen Funeral Home.