Phillip Sweet

DONGOLA - Mr. Phillip Gregory Sweet, 65, died at 2:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at his home.

He was born Feb. 3, 1948, in Mattoon, the son of George Jackson and Gloria June White Sweet.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1970, serving two tours. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and he also served in Africa. He was a life member of the VFW. He loved being a Marine and received various military service awards including three purple hearts, a national defense service medal, Fr. Croix De Gueurre, a medal from Morocco and a CAR.

In his own time, he trained dogs for battle. Phil also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Vienna area fire department.

Following honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Phil dedicated 27 years to the United States Postal Service in the offices of Joliet and Carbondale, retiring in January of 2012.

Phil was a passionate person and enjoyed many things in life. He had a love for animals, travel, poetry, painting and farming. He enjoyed traveling and taking his dogs on truck rides. Those who grew up with him knew him as "Greg" and say he was always there for family and friends. His heart was full of love for others, as was so evident by his relationship with the young children who loved him dearly and called him "Papa Phil."

Survivors include his niece, Christie Sweet; nephew, David Sweet; several loved cousins; aunts; uncles; and friends. He also left behind Janet Ransom and her family, whom he has spent the last several years sharing life with and he loved them with all of his heart.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria June (White) Sweet; father, George Jackson Sweet; brother, Bill Sweet; Ex-wife, Susan DePratt Sweet; stepson, Bryan Davidson; several cousins; and aunts and uncles.

Services will be at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, in Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna, with Pastor Kathy Montira officiating. Interment will be in the Mound City National Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by area Veteran's and the Illinois Army National Guard Military Honors Team of Marion. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to This Able Veteran, Wounded Warriors or Toys for Tots.

To leave an online condolence, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com