Charles W. Phillips

PHILLIPS, Charles W., Lt. Col. Ret. Charles W. Phillips, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with heart disease on April 15, 2008.
He was born in Norborne, Missouri March 4, 1929 to Joseph and Manda Phillips. After graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Army in 1946. He was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Osaka, Japan. In 1949, Sgt. Phillips entered Officer Candidate School. Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, Coast Artillery Corps, USAR. In 1950, he was assigned to Fort Meade, Maryland and later was promoted to Captain. Tours of duty included England, Taiwan, and Korea. In 1962, Captain Phillips returned to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he helped activate the US Army Combat Development Command Air Defense Agency. He met the love of his life, Joan Bonifas, and they married in 1965. He was promoted to Lt. Col. and served as Executive Officer until assigned to OCINFO in Hollywood, California in 1966. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in 1966 and received the Legion of Merit in 1968. Upon retirement in 1969, he completed his BA degree at the University of Nebraska and began a 22 year career with Security Pacific National Bank retiring as Vice President Trust Department. Chuck enjoyed being a father and grandfather. He is survived by a loving family: his wife of 42 years, Joan; his children: Michael Berge, Kathryn Kerr (William), Mark Berge (Pam), Joan Louis (R.J.), Robert Phillips (Melanie), John Phillips (Susan), Patricia Nasta (Jason); grandchildren: Phillip, Michael, Brian, Kendall, Justin, Alexis, Courtney, Justin, Christopher, Payton, Kailey, Hunter, Marshalle, Madison, James, and Claire. He is also survived by his aunt, Gladys Skeith. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Bernardine of Siena Catholic Church, 24410 Calvert St., Woodland Hills. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the USO, Operation Enduring Care or the Sisters of St. Louis Retirement Fund at Louisville High School, Woodland Hills, CA.