Mark Ivan Phillips

Mark Ivan Phillips of Arlington passed away Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, at the age of 57 due to complications of kidney cancer. He fiercely fought a long, hard battle right to the end. Memorial service: 2 p.m. Thursday in Wade Family Funeral Home Chapel, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. At his request, Mr. Phillips' body was proudly donated to science. Mark was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Hurst. He was born in Fort Worth, but completed high school in Irving at MacArthur High School where he played football. He started pre-med studies at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, until his calling as a musician interrupted his studies. Mark was a fine guitar player, singer and songwriter. He loved his music career and some of his most cherished memories were of times spent with friends playing music. He was also an I.T. director for many years, before finally getting back to his interest in medicine. His family was so proud of him for completing nursing school to start a second career at 50! He greatly enjoyed working as an RN until his illness. He felt especially lucky to have been able to travel extensively in the U.S. and abroad with friends and family. His philosophy was to live life to the fullest each day, and he did just that. Mark was dearly loved by his friends and family for his loving nature, his funny sense of humor, and his seemingly endless knowledge of "fun facts to know and tell." He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Phillips. Survivors: He leaves behind his loving wife of 21 years, Joyce Burchfield; his mother, Frances Jean Phillips of Hurst; his brother, Eric Phillips and wife, Norma, of Benbrook; as well as many close nieces, nephews, other family and friends.