Donald Gene Phillips
1932 - 2020
Donald Gene Phillips
1932 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1932
DIED
2020
Donald Phillips Obituary
Donald Gene Phillips
April 20, 1932- April 17, 2020
WEBSTER GROVES, MO-On April 17, 2020 Donald Gene Phillips joined his beloved wife Mary in the arms of the Lord.
He was born April 20, 1932 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the first child of Louie Robert Phillips and Mabel Olive Hyett. Several years after his birth the family moved to the Eldon Iowa area where he grew up and graduated from high school. On April 18,1952 he enlisted in the Air Force and became an air traffic controller. He met his wife, Mary Jean Findlay, at the Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, in New Foundland and they were married on August 21, 1954. The following year they moved across the United States to Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Washington, where he was discharged on April 17,1956.
He then was hired by the Civil Aeronautics Authority and began his career as an air traffic controller. He was assigned to the Saint Louis Air Traffic Control Tower as his first facility. Over the course of his career he was a supervisor at Lincoln, Nebraska and the first tower manager at Rapid City, South Dakota. He then became the manager at Moline,Illinois and retired from there in 1990 after 38 years of FAA service. After retirement he started his own cabinet business and raised several horses as a hobby.
Don was a member of Mary Our Lady Of Peace Catholic Church in Orion,Illinois, where he resided for 50 years with his wife and family before moving to Saint Louis, Missouri.
Don was a member of the VFW, the Elks Lodge, Orion School Board, Valley View Country Club in Cambridge, IL and served on various committees for the church. Among some of the projects he assisted with was raising money by building a house for the Orion Athletic Booster Club, the remodeling of the Catholic Church, and many other projects through out the area.
Don was a loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle and friend to many. He enjoyed life and talking with and meeting people. He is survived by his seven children; Alan (Karen) Phillips, Mary Lynn (Jack) Bailey, Brian (Holly) Phillips, Janet Ianniello, Karen (Ken) Kempen, Robert (Jessie) Phillips, and Donna Phillips, seventeen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren,
his sister Joyce Watts and Sharon Fitzwater, brother Garry Phillips, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, brother Ronald Phillips and sister Iris Diane Pohren.
Services: Funeral Mass and military services will be conducted at a later date to be determined. A service of the Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory,14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mary Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Attn: Don Phillips Memorial, 1402 10th Street, Orion, IL 61273. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Carolyn Cotta
August 13, 2020
Don was my garden buddy at Crestview Senior Living. The garden just isn't the same without him. I miss him and his sage advice. Carolyn Cotta (sometimes known as Marilyn)
Thomas Bailey
August 6, 2020
I have too much to say to actually put to words. Don was a wonderful man a wonderful father, husband and a good friend. I don't think he ever met a person he didn't find something in common with. I once joined him a tour of the different Amish shops in Arthur Il. Frankly, he was the mayor, everyone loved him, he knew everyone by name and he was just inspirational to be around.
You never know the consequences of your actions but I can tell you that he changed my life and my kids lives because of his actions. He helped my brother Steve start up his Amish Cabinet business who subsequently helped me start up a similar business. The simply gesture to help my brother changed the course of my life and my children's lives. I am so grateful for what he did.
He will truly be missed and I only hope that I can have the same impact on someone in my life. God bless Don and all my prayers to his family and friends during this difficult times.
Alice (Catlett) Davila
August 2, 2020
Mary, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad to you and your family.
Rebecca Kinnamon
July 29, 2020
Miss, Donna J. -- I am so sorry to learn about your father's death. I know how close your family is to your heart. Please know that I am with you even though I am not there.
Becky Kinnamon
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Bob & Lin Findlay
July 29, 2020
Our condolences to Uncle Don’s family, We are sure he will be missed, however he is with his wife Aunt Mary in Heaven. I will always remember his almost laughing smile. Lin and I had a chance to visit him and Aunt Mary when we lived in Iowa and looking back feel blessed with that opportunity as well as spending Mother’s Day together with them and Donna. God bless you all and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marita Buysse Lough
May 5, 2020
Don was a man everyone loved, including me. I well remember in 1971 his welcoming warmth when I started my career at the Mli Airport. The tower was above second floor on the north side of the runways. Hes such a humble, loving man. He accomplished so much in his lifetime; and I appreciate his efforts including his work at the Catholic Church. I enjoyed his suggestions and interest in helping my son become an air traffic controller. God bless his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you experience your great loss. Marita
Darrel Muhleman
May 5, 2020
I feel blessed to have known & golfed with this remarkably nice man & unselfish veteran. He was a gift to our Sherman J. Sagadin VFW Post # 143 in Orion, Illinois. ...... Rest In Peace brother Don !!
Kay Scott
April 28, 2020
Don was a great guy and a huge influence in our little village of Orion and a man behind so many projects at Mary, Our Lady of Peace church. We all hated to see them leave and move away. They were both sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to their family. Know that both he and Mary were greatly loved and appreciated here in Orion. So sad to lose such nice, warm and helpful man.
I was parish secretary at MOLOP for almost 15 years and worked with Don on many things.
Mike Papini
April 25, 2020
My condolences to the Phillips family. I grew up in Orion with Don, Mary and the Phillips family. Growing up, Don was one of the dads that was always there supporting the church, the community at town events and at school activities. Don helped me become an air traffic controller for which I will be eternally grateful. God bless.
Jeff and Stacy DePorter
April 25, 2020
To all the Phillips children
May God's peace and love comfort you in this time. I was blessed to know and be a friend of Don and Mary for many years. Don (chief) hired me in 1983. I enjoyed many years at MLI and living in Orion was able to be around your loving parents. They always took care of the families at MLI and at Mary Our Lady of Peace. Know that they were loved by many and especially us.
Jeff and Stacy DePorter
Sister Sandra Brunenn
April 25, 2020
I was blessed to know Don and Mary at Mary Our Lady of Peace in Orion. I pray in gratitude for the blessing he was to so many....and in sympathy for all of you his family and friends who loved him. He was a treasure in so many ways....and Mary, too!!
Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB
Michelle Amador
April 25, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all. Sending hugs and prayers. - Michelle & Kirk Amador
Don and Diane Versluys
April 24, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. God Bless!
Gary Miller
April 24, 2020
As a pilot flying out of the Moline airport I have known Don since the came to the Moline airport as tower chief. Always a pleasant man and great to talk with. We actually met once in Eldon, IA where my wife is from. RIP Don always a great person.
Nick Simon
April 23, 2020
I first met Don at a class we were both taking in Rapid City, SD while I was in the Air Force there. Don was the chief and first at the new control they built at Rapid City municipal. When he became chief at Moline, he allowed us to take our Boy Scouts through the new tower there. He was a great man, we talked several times as Orion is not very far from Atkinson where I live
May the Good Lord give Don's family Peace. Comfort and Healing . Deacon Nick Simon
Ron and Sylvia Saunders
April 23, 2020
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Phillips family.
Jim and Sandy Dingman
April 23, 2020
We send our deepest sympathies to Dons family. Don and Mary were the best of the best at Mary Our Lady of Peace. Don was a gentleman who always made you feel better about life when you visited. We enjoyed working with him on church affairs and one of our homes. You can be very proud of the man he was. We greatly miss them both.
April 23, 2020
With sincere sympathy Dick and Donna Larson , also members of Mary Our Lady Church .
Donna Dahl (Peterson)
April 23, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with yall. Sending love and hugs!
Jay Fitzpatrick
April 23, 2020
Donny was a great first cousin. He and Mary were always there at family events . He and his siblings were a great support to my Mom in her loss of our Father in WWII. A gentleman and true family member. From our family; Mary Ellen,Matt,Sara and Susan and myself his absence will be noted. Jay Fitzpatrick and Family.
Bradley Hubbard
April 22, 2020
Phillips Family, we are so sorry for your loss. I remember when Don and Mary moved the family to Orion from South Dakota. You all stayed out at Green Acres on 150. Don was such a wonderful man and proud father. He will be remembered for his community and church involvement. It is comforting to know that he is united with Mary. Our prayers are with you all. Ann and Brad Hubbard
MaryAnn (Schaefer) Dombrowski
April 22, 2020
Both Don and Mary were very attentive of my parents - Les Schaefer and Ferris Hyett ( sister to Mabel) Schaefer. I remember Don and Mary visiting Les and Ferris both at their home in Davenport, Iowa and later when my parents moved to Assisted Living. My folks spoke of them often and looked forward to their visits. When I think of Don, I remember his warm smile. God bless.
Lynda Larson
April 21, 2020
Don, will always have good memories of the good times we had you, Al, Mary and I. Rest In Peace my friend
April 21, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to All the Phillips Families from All the Harrell Families.We shared lodgings many times to Florida. Don had a great sense of humor and we laughed lots. Mary and Don loved their children, grand children and great grandchildren and could tell you the birthdays of every one. Orion was never the same without them. we miss their friendship.Our thoughts and prayers to All The Phillips Family.
Cliff and Mary Harrell
Mike/Chris Nightingale
April 21, 2020
Our deepest sympathies to Don's family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was a great pleasure to have known Don and Mary when they lived in Orion. To share a family connection thru daughter Mary, Grandchildren Garrett, Brandon, Eric, Keith and Natalie. May the promises of our Lord and Savior give all of you great comfort.
Kim Harrell Adlfinger
April 21, 2020
Mr and Mrs Phillips and their family were wonderful friends to our family, especially Robert and his life long friendship with my brother Kent. The Harrells all have special memories of the Phillips family. Brian was one of my first friends when we moved to Orion and later Mary was our fun neighbor. Thinking of you all with warm thoughts and prayers.
Kent and Julie Harrell
April 21, 2020
Dear Phillips Family, we are so sorry for the loss of your father. He was a friend to everyone he met and he passed this trait on to his loving family. We always looked forward to his updates, in which he could tell what every child, grandchild and great- grandchildren was up to. He was so engaged in the lives of his family. He had many interests and endeavors, and his face lit up with motivation and delight every time he spoke. We look forward to his celebration of life. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Robert Krawczyk
April 20, 2020
May God bless him, and may he and Mary spend eternity together in heaven. He was always a gentleman, and will be missed by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. God bless you all. .Uncle Bob Krawczyk
Mary Putney
April 20, 2020
Thinking of all of you, so sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers
Mike Ash
April 20, 2020
So sorry to hear about Don's passing, he was a great guy and has one of the best families that I ever knew. I have a lot of great memories from the time I was a little kid through being an adult about Don. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Regards, Mike and Wendy Ash
Kim Snook
April 20, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family. He was a very good and kind man. I got to know him better during a trip to Seattle with Diane and he was such a strength to her during that time.
Susan Olson
April 20, 2020
Although I never had the blessing of meeting Donald or Mary, I have the honor of working with their daughter, Donna. I know the sadness losing our beloved parents brings to our hearts, but also know the love and inspiration each instilled in our hearts will comfort us always. We love you Donna and our heartfelt condolences are with you and your family. We look forward to you being with us soon.
Eileen Weller
April 20, 2020
Sorry for everyones loss. He was a great Uncle. He always showed how much he loved his family.
Michael Krawczyk
April 20, 2020
Deepest Sympathies, Thoughts and Prayers to the Phillips Families.
Greg Weller
April 20, 2020
Sad to hear this for all the family. He was a great Uncle to us. Gods Blessings
Jim & Barbara Ziegenhorn
April 20, 2020
RIP Don
One saying we will never forget
I am rich with children
Thank you for your friendship!
Brent Fitzwater
April 20, 2020
I loved listening to uncle Donnies stories of his life and the things he had done. I learned so much and I know that he and Dad, uncle Adolf, Grandpa, Uncle Ronnie are sitting around telling stories, Aunt Mary, Aunt Diane and Grandma are shaking their heads laughing and rolling their eyes at them. Heaven has another angel looking over us all forever love you all.
Lynn Crosiar
April 20, 2020
Sorry to hear about Don's passing! He and Mary were great neighbors. We loved going over there and talking with them! I am so sorry for your loss!
Regina Watts
April 20, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss.
Claris (Bud) Hyett
April 19, 2020
Don was a man who loved his family, enjoyed his job plus lived and acted within his community. His passing and absence will affect many. I came to better know Don through Orion High School; Don's youngest daughter, Donna, and my son, Jeff, were Orion High School class of 1985. After leaving the Midwest, I thought of him often when we had a first flight and the tower was talking to the pilot.
Jeanine Lees
April 19, 2020
Mary, This is Jeanine,Carol's sister. I'm very sorry to hear about your dad.
Mr. and Mrs. William Ford,, ll
April 19, 2020
Over the last five-six years, it was an honor to have met Don Phillips and have an opportunity to know th man. Our sincerest condolences to the Phillips family. God hold you all in the hollow of his hand and may God bless all of you. Be well, be safe.
Daniel Hultgren
April 19, 2020
Sorry for your loss.
April 19, 2020
Wonderful man. He is in a better place with your mom. Sitting in my kitchen- with cabinets that we bought from your Dad. Still love my cabinets and that has been lots of years ago.
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time. With sympathy and God's blessings. Beth Hultgren Easterla
Kent Wheeler
April 19, 2020
So very sorry for the familys loss of the patriarch. I know he will be greatly missed. May the comfort of knowing well meet again help you during this time. Love to you all. Kent and Melanie
Mary Lindsey Jensen
April 19, 2020
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Always enjoyed talking with him!
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