John Phillips

John Phillips, 80, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Born March 28, 1931 in Muscatine, Iowa to Clarence Payne Phillips and Anna Ferne (Shinabarger) Phillips. He married Judy Benfer on October 6, 1955 in Davenport, IA. She survives. Also surviving are three children, daughter Sharon (Kevin) Klotz of Thornton, CO; daughter Cathy (Scott) Manhart of Billings, MT; and son Craig (Kathy) Phillips of Grimes, IA; six grandchildren, Danny and Anne Klotz; Katie and Kenton Manhart; Becca and Kimmi Phillips; also surviving are two sisters, Ann Baker of Cedar Falls, IA and Mary Arnold of Rock Island, IL; sister-in-law Joan Phillips of Muscatine, IA and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Robert Phillips. He graduated from Muscatine High School and received a Bachelor of Science in industrial economics with minors in accounting and general engineering from Iowa State University where he was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company in management for 37 years, retiring in 1994. He was a longtime member and elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL; and since moving to Cheyenne has been an active member and Deacon of First Presbyterian Church. He volunteered for military service and served in the Army with the Big Red One. He was actively involved with Dunlap, IL school board; Republican Precinct Committee; Optimist Club; AFS foreign exchange host family; LIFE program founder, board member, and treasurer; Interfaith Hospitality/Family Promise coordinator; CASA board member; John Timothy Stone Cliffs Assoc board member and treasurer, and Estes Park SRA board member. He was an exuberant sports fan, especially for the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and summers at the cabin in Colorado were very special to him. His greatest passion was his family. For them, John (Oupa) was a source of wisdom, unconditional love, inspiration, and joy. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Higginbotham, Dr. Charles Mackey, and nurse Lily for their technical expertise, personal caring and kindness. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, Cheyenne. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, John Austin Cheley Foundation, or the charity of one's choice.

Service

Saturday, January 14, 2012 2:00pm

First Presbyterian Church

220 W. 22nd St,.

CHEYENNE, WY 82001