Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Francis Phillips Obituary
Affectionately known as "Frankie," he was born in Oakland, Calif. on Aug. 18, 1984, the son of Francis G. Phillips III and Cherie Forslund Phillips. He was a graduate of Oceanside High School, Oceanside, Calif. The family relocated to Meridian/Auburn in 2003. He was employed by his Uncle Joseph prior to joining the U.S. Army in the spring of 2005, and was currently on his second tour of duty.
While in California he loved to surf and scuba dive. Always willing to help and take on any fitness challenge. He was a Para Trooper while in the Army.
Surviving are his wife and daughter, Christine and Sophia Phillips, of El Paso, Texas; his mother, Cherie Phillips and her fiancé, Greg Race, of Auburn; his dad, Francis (Frank) Phillips III, of Lyons, N.Y.; maternal grandmother, Jonnie Maxson-Manker, of Springfield, Miss.; paternal grandparents, Betty Roberts, of Seneca Falls, N.Y., and Frank F. Phillips, Jr., of Savannah, N.Y.; a brother, David Phillips, of Auburn; a sister, Danielle Nicole Phillips, of Land O'Lakes, Fla., and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013 in the Auburn United Methodist Church, 99 South St., Auburn, with the Rev. Donald Kennedy officiating. He will have a full military honors burial at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, May 20, 2013.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Farrell's Funeral Service, Inc., 84 South St., Auburn.
The omission of flowers is suggested. The Sophia N. Phillips Scholarship Trust Fund has been established at Americu Credit Union, 295 Grant Ave., Auburn, NY 13021.
Tuesday evening upon arrival in Auburn, the public is invited to gather along Route 34 and in front of Memorial Auburn City Hall for the tolling of the "Old Wheeler Bell."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Phillips
Ian Hunter
May 27, 2021
As we approach memorial day, my thoughts turn as they always do to those with whom I served who tendered their last full measure of devotion to our Nation. I look back at deployment photos, and it almost seems like another life, another me. Frankie, Rapp, Koch and I, sitting around a fire with Mcdaniels, Mcnabney and others. I've taught my son about you Frankie, about the weight of duty and what it means to accept responsibility not only for yourself but for all of us. I remember the many lessons you taught me, and the experiences we shared. My prayers today and every day are for you, and your family. I know they are incredibly proud of you, I know I am proud to have known you. #RLTW
T. Crossman
September 9, 2015
I was about 3 miles away from his Stryker when this happened. We will always remember, and we are proud of 1/36 Ghost elements and the work done in Maiwand. RIP SSG, always in the minds of brothers.
Nick Pensivy
May 14, 2014
I'm not sure how to say this. I never met SSG Phillips in person, but I was one of the 8 who carried him onto the the plane that brought him home from Kandahar AFG. I'll be carrying him again for the "Carry The Load" in Tampa on Memorial day.
Jayla Phillips
August 25, 2013
Hey, I just wanted to say i love you Frankie and thank you to all the people helped me remember frankie in a good way with all the memories we had. We may not have as many memories as we want to have but, i hope we have enough to remember him by.
M. Carpenter
August 23, 2013
To the Philips family, We will never forget the sacrifice that you have made for our freedom. Francis was a true American hero. I know he is at Peace and I hope you can find Peace for yourselves and comfort in your loving memories of a good and brave man.
Jacey Phillips
August 21, 2013
I honestly don't know why I read this so many times, it's almost as if I want to cry and break my own heart. I'm just reminding myself that I'm still not okay. Thank you to everyone who gave me something to look back on, and for comforting our family and praying for us. God bless you all<3
Chris Phillips-Roberts
July 10, 2013
To everyone that has offered words of comfort ...thankyou so very much! Frankie was a real blessing to us his family..a man full of life and love for all his family. A prankster like his momma and his dad both and the leader of ideas for all the cousins to get into some bit of trouble...we will miss him and love him forever. I am amazed... as I read these words from all of you ..how much love and support there is for our servicemen and women and their families. Thank you again to all of you and a special thanks to those of you who have felt the pain that we all feel in your own loss..my prayers and sympathy and thanks to you as well
joseph phillips
July 10, 2013
joseph phillips
July 10, 2013
joseph phillips
July 10, 2013
joseph phillips
July 10, 2013
joseph phillips
July 10, 2013
joseph phillips
July 10, 2013
joseph phillips
July 10, 2013
joseph phillips
July 10, 2013
joseph phillips
July 10, 2013
Frankie was the face on the Army recruiting poster for a few years
joseph phillips
July 10, 2013
joseph phillips
July 7, 2013
S. Kronenwetter
May 27, 2013
To the Phillips Family, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one and Hero Francis, and my sincerest gratitude for his service for our country.
God Bless you Staff Sgt. Francis G. Phillips...you will not be forgotten.
S MacDaniel
May 26, 2013
I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Francis will never be forgotten.
For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I'm home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I'm only a civilian
And I don't even know if it's allowed
But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.
For those missing in action;
for those who didn't make it home.
I know you're in God's presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.
I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you .
I Salute You.
Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt
Colonie, NY
SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq
Dan Rosazza
May 26, 2013
I was stationed in Bliss. I did not know him but I really wanted to express my condolences to his family.
May 24, 2013
Proud Americans will not forget the sacrifice of this brave hero. Rest in Peace!
Brenda McManus
May 23, 2013
God Bless his wife and daughter. Saw the pictures of his daughter with the flag. This has touched so many people. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.
Patricia Sanchez
May 23, 2013
Thank you for your service may the dear lord be with your family in this time of sorrow.
Thank you Roland, Patricia, Roland Jr. and Rubina Sanchez
Abralia Mccloud
May 22, 2013
Thanks for your service...
Lynne Neibert
May 21, 2013
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who work to send handmade prayer shawls and/or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one while serving our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church would like to extend our sincere sympathy and to honor your son, husband and father's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a prayer gift which will be mailed to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses of those who would like to receive one and which gift they would like to receive. We will send our gift as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved on who died while serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
May 20, 2013
Thank you for your service and your ultimate sacrifice while protecting our freedom and liberties.
You are truly and American Hero
John 15:13 NIV
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.
"No one desires Peace more than the Soldier who will have to shoulder the burden of War"
"Freedom is not Free, Thank a Veteran"
May 18, 2013
To the family of Stg. Phillips- Please take comfort in knowing that your son/husband/father died a hero serving our great country. Through his service, I can continue to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I may have not known SGT Phillips but he was brave.
I came across this poem and I hope it can give you some peace in during this difficult time...
In these painful times,
I don't know what to do...
to take away the sorrow,
that's weighing down on you.
We're proud of your son,
who was put in harms way,
and gave the ultimate sacrifice
to keep the terrorist at bay.
Our world is safer,
because of loved ones so brave...
and I know it hurts so much,
for the sacrifice he gave.
Your loved one is safe now,
sheltered from harm,
reunited with loved ones,
safe in Gods Arms.
-Author unknown
May 18, 2013
We have never met; but I am a relative on the DeBois side. Aunt Liz is my mom. Words can not convey my sorrow for the Phillips family.Frankie was a very brave man. Condolances to all the family.
Betty Jean "Rose" Greene
sue ward
May 18, 2013
Thank you dear soldier for your ultimate sacrifice for our country... Rest in peace. Praying for your loved ones
May 17, 2013
there are no words to express the sorrow I feel. My deepest sympathy to your family.
I salute you with reverence and respect
Rest in Peace, Soldier.
VietNam Vet
Sharon & Sue
May 17, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family of Staff Sgt. Francis G. Phillips IV. He made the ultimate sacrifice and from our hearts, we deeply thank him. God Bless
Stephanie (Capone)Ladisair
May 17, 2013
Thankyou for for your courage and taking care of us..R.I.P..Thoughts and prayers to the Family of this Angel. Your Daughter has a special Guardian Angel..Thankyou and love to the Family..God Bless!!
May 16, 2013
Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of my child.
The Checolas
May 16, 2013
You gave of yourself for our freedoms, and we are forever remembering you. Rest in Peace, and thank you.
Mary Ellen James
May 16, 2013
My condolences to the family. Thank you for your service to Our Country. May God comfort you all.
TSgt. Jon Monteith
May 16, 2013
RIP Sgt. Phillips. Your sacrifice was not in vain. You are a true hero! You did your country proud! Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Debbie Binns-Carp
May 16, 2013
Sgt. Phillips,
Thank you for taking care of all of us in this wonderful country. You have made the ultimate sacrafice and I cannot tell you how much it is appreciated. God Bless you! I am so sorry for the loss that this has resulted in for your family and friends, especially your sweet daughter. She will grow up knowing what a hero her dad is. RIP Sgt...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 16, 2013
Thank you for serving your country and keeping America safe. My sympathy and prayers to this brave man and his family.
Dressing/Farnsworth/ beavers family
May 16, 2013
We will truly miss you but will never forget you. Never say good bye only until we see you again. May you rest in peace.
May 16, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends of this young hero.
A Marine mom
May 16, 2013
Thank you for serving our country. Rest in peace Brother.
May 15, 2013
Betty, So sorry to hear about your grandson. Thinking of you and family. So sad for you all. Scott and Peggy
Jim Rook
May 15, 2013
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family of SSGT. Francis Phillips IV. Godspeed thank you for your bravery and the ultimate sacrifice for love of country.
The Rook Family, Jim Lori Matthew Danielle
Peggy Whitfield
May 15, 2013
May God hold the Phillips family in his loving arms during this hard time. SSgt Phillips when you get to heaven say hi to my brother who was killed in Viet Nam. May God bless all.
May 15, 2013
Rest in Peace, beloved soldier. My family and I will salute you in Heaven.
A Thankful Citizen in Texas
Susan Capone
May 15, 2013
As a Gold Star Mother, my heart goes out to Staff Sgt. Phillips' family. I only wish that this family did not have to endure the pain that my family went through. The pain of losing my son Patrick was overwhelming, and not a day goes by that I don't relive it. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Staff Sgt. Phillips, thank you for your bravery and services. You are a TRUE AMERICAN HERO. Rest in Peace.
Dorothv
May 15, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
susan giltner
May 15, 2013
may your lives be forever blessed as this brave young man left behind a loving family. My thanks for your service for our country.
M. Klink
May 15, 2013
My upmost respect and condolences to the loss of a fellow Paratrooper. Thank you for your service. To your lovely family....you are in my prayers. I can barely type this as I think of how you must feel. I'm so sorry. My God guide you. AIRBORNE
Jim Miller
May 15, 2013
To the family of sgt. Phillips Iam so sorry to hear his passing As a Vietnam Veteran it brought back many flash backs when I was in combat and loosing many friends that I fought side by side. I do know how you feel. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Jim Miller
Melissa Morgan
May 15, 2013
From a Gold Star Wife, your entire family and friends are in my prayers...I wish no one else had to endure such sorrow, and pain, if I could take it all away for you all I would do so in an instant.
May 15, 2013
Auburb vfw post 1975
May 15, 2013
my god keep your family in his heart
b griffin vfw aux
Cummings Family
May 15, 2013
To the Family of Sgt. Phillips, no words can express the sadness felt by the loss of your son, father, husband, but you may find peace in knowing he was a brave man whom God chose to join him. May your family find comfort in knowing that so many of us are praying for you and thanking you for his dedication as a citizen working for peace in the world.
Colleen Lombardi
May 15, 2013
Thank you for your bravery and serving in our military - you are a hero in my eyes. Praying for your family. May God bless.
Linda Hauf-Fredericksen
May 15, 2013
To the family and friends of this brave young man Frank Phillips, I am so very sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers go out for you at this time.
More than that I thank you for your part in shaping this young man to become the most unselfish, caring, hard working person that any man can be.
There are no words to express the thankfulness of a Nation, Tkany You Frank Phillips.
May 15, 2013
SSG Phillips, may god always watch over you and your family, you are an American hero. Rest in peace brother. SFC(retired) USA
Theresa DeBois
May 14, 2013
My thoughts & prayers are with you all, he will walk with so many family members now, with God as his guide, his love will always live in your hearts.
eileen Dyson peterson
May 14, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Phillips families, and thank God for men like Frankie.God Bless You All
God Bless
Silva, Family
May 14, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Montana Car Wash
May 14, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Midge and Frank (Ellis) Brandao
May 14, 2013
Christine, Sophie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the Phillips. Frankie was a true HERO and will never be forgotten!! God Bless you all.
JILL GROBELNY
May 14, 2013
TO: EVERYONE IN RHE PHILLIPS FAMILY,
MY NAME IS JILL GROBELNY & I WORK WITH JOHN PHILLIPS AT SENECA CAYUGA ARC IN AUBURN, I WAS VERY SADDENED TO HAVE HEARD OF YOUR LOVED ONE FRANKIE'S SUDDEN PASSING, AT LEAST YOU CAN TAKE COMFORT IN ALL PEOPLE WHO WROTE IN HIS GUESBOOK KNOWING THAT THEY ALL CARE FOR YOU ALL. I ALONG WITH OTHERS WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT FRANKIE DID FOR OUR COUNTRY AS FRANKIE & THE OTHERS WHO SERVED WITH HIM WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Joanne & Steve Reeves
May 14, 2013
Cherie,Frank,and Families, Thinking of you all at this sorrowful day. Frankie May God hold you in the palm of his hands. Keep his memories close to your hearts, and God will see him through...God Bless You All....
Frankies funeral in NY
Ron Flock
May 14, 2013
My Dear Cousin Frankie, You will always be an American Hero who is deeply missed and always in our hearts and prayers.
We Love you.
Dakota Jezerski
May 14, 2013
Hi Frankie this is your cousin Dakota Jezerski thanks for serving in the armed forces!!! you will be missed greatly!!
Grace n.
May 14, 2013
I m really sorry to learn about Francis Phillips's being hero to defend our country while he faced a risk that no body wants to hear of the sad time of his death. I happened to be in downtown when there is a funeral proceeding and I first thought it has to be Mr. Phillips and I stopped to take all of pictures. Beautiful huge flags flagging gracefully!!!
A Grateful Citizen
May 14, 2013
Thank you for your service to our country. May your family be comforted by good memories. I will keep you in my prayers.
Grateful Citizen
May 14, 2013
Thank you sir, and to your family, for your service and sacrifice to our country. May God hold you close.
May 14, 2013
MY FAMILY DIDNT KNOW STAFF SGT. PHILLIPS, BUT WE SALUTE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. CONDOELENCES TO YOUR FAMILY THAT IS LEFT BEHIND.
Gratefull Citizen
May 14, 2013
Thank You Sgt. Phillips
Kaitlin Blake ( Holt )
May 14, 2013
My heart is with the entire Phillips family! Frankie sure will be missed dearly.
May 14, 2013
Christine, Sophia our heart felt condolences go out to you and all the Phillip's families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hold deep the love and memories, cherish forever the moments, he gave all.
Love Always, Don and Lisa De Bois, Port Byron, NY
May 14, 2013
rest in peace frankie
christine
May 14, 2013
I did not know you or your family, but I wanted to thank you for being in the service and protecting my life and family. I am truley sorry to hear of your passing at such a young age, I hope your children and family know that you will always be a hero..god bless your family in this time of grief.
Linda White
May 14, 2013
I don,t know you but Thank You for fighting for the USA My prayer are with the family. God Bless You
May 14, 2013
Cherie & Greg
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your service Frankie. You make all of us proud.
Ashely & Timothy
Wendy and Brian Myers
May 14, 2013
May God Hold You in the Palm of his Hand.
May 14, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Sgt Philips. May he rest in peace. Steve and Beth Gravitte
William (USAF O-4 Ret.) Leland (Jane)
May 14, 2013
S/Sgt.Frank Phillips USA; I salute you for your devoted service. Over the years you have done us proud and earned this, final "At Rest!"
Norm&Brenda&Family Howell
May 14, 2013
Thoughts Prayers and Love To Soldier Phillips Thank You For Your Service :( God Bless and Condolences To The Family XO
Francis D. Phillips II
May 14, 2013
Sincere condolences to all of the family and friends of Sgt. Phillips.
Forever a Hero
Grateful Citizen
May 14, 2013
Thank this brave and selfless hero, yes hero for all the scarfices,that not only he made but his family as well, he will never be forgotten, a grateful citizen, Hooah
May 13, 2013
deepest sympathies to the family ... to you, fine sir ... thank for your service ... may we never take your sacrifice for granted
Mattydale Fire Department
May 13, 2013
The Officers and Members
of the
Mattydale Fire Department
and
Ladies Auxiliary
join in extending
Heartfelt Sympathy
to you and your family at this
Time of Sorrow.
"THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR NATION"
Ann Fox
May 13, 2013
Go rest high on that mountain, thank you for all you have done to protect our freedoms.
The Fox Family, Jordan New York
May 13, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences. May you find comfort in Psalms 6:2
May 12, 2013
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Jayla Phillips
May 10, 2013
Frankie I love you I was always hoping to show u my new drum skills. You were like a brother to me. I hope Aunt Cherie and her family know that God is with them. Thank you for fighting for our country.
Marcia
May 10, 2013
To the family and friends of Staff Sergeant Phillips, My heart is breaking for you. Please, accept my deepest sympathy for your loss Of Francis and my sincere gratitude for his brave service. He made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms and protect our way of life. He is a true American hero. May he rest in Peace and may you have healing from your loss.
Eric, Michele Abbey, Lillie
May 9, 2013
Phillips Family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love always for family,
-Riggs Family
Jennifer Rapp
May 8, 2013
Frankie, thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for being a good friend to my son. Thank you for comforting me in my time of need. For your family and all who loved you may God bring you strength and comfort now and until they meet you again in Heaven. This quote was sent to me in my time of sorrow, I hope it brings your family comfort and causes all of us to think.
"Lest I keep my complacent way I must remember somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war I ask and I must answer, was I worth dying for?"
Eleanor Roosevelt
All my love, Jennifer
Cherie Phillips
May 8, 2013
Thank you every one for all the kind and tender words that where said about my wonderful amazing son. He was a true Hero to me and loving husband, father and son. There are no words for the pain we feel at this time our loss is so great and my love so deep. "Frankie I love you to the moon and back again son"
Guido
May 8, 2013
I love you man, you will always have a huge place in my heart. All the guys from Reaper have missed you since the day you left. We will be praying for your family...
Barbara Rose Aglietti
May 8, 2013
Freedom isn't free and you have paid a great price.Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice for our country! May God comfort your family and loved ones in their tremendous loss.
Laura
May 8, 2013
A fellow Cato-Meridian myself with a son a Navy corpsman active, assigned to the marine ground troup my heart and soul goes out to you and your family at this tragic time. Thank you for his dedication and services to protect us all. May gods speed help your broken heart
1SG Jason Pitman
May 8, 2013
Frankie, first and foremost it was a honor and a priveledge to have been your Platoon Sergeant in the 82nd, and to have known you all these years, I will miss you greatly, to Cherie, and Christine and Sophia, I cannot express my words of sorrow for you all, I wish I could express how i feel for your loss, he was a great man, soldier, father, husband and son, they did him honorably at the memorial today and I left my 82nd combat patch for him and your family, he made me proud when I had him so it is yours to keep, if you need anything please contact me, take care and hold strong.
Joni Batson
May 8, 2013
Although I never meet you in person I feel like I somehow knew you because of your mom, posting on your behalf and how very proud she was of you.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice to this country. Cherie we love you and hugs to you and your family
Showing 1 - 100 of 146 results
Make a Donation
in Francis Phillips's name
Memorial Events
for Francis Phillips
How to support Francis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Francis Phillips's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
