Wesley Scott Phillips

Wesley Scott Phillips, 38, died at his home in Grinnell on May 23, 2016. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Grinnell, Iowa at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 28th. Lunch will follow at the church. Wes was born in Grinnell on December 19, 1977 and attended Grinnell Schools, graduating in 1996. He was a National Merit Scholar and went on to study music at the University Of Iowa School of Music where he had a music scholarship. He earned a Bachelor of Music in bass performance and was honored as the Jazz Musician of the year at his graduation. He played upright bass with the University of Iowa Orchestra as well as the Johnson County Landmark Band. Wes joined with other musicians to form bands whenever possible. The first was Vivid, during high school. He also performed in The Speed of Sauce, Ticonderoga, The Rosebuds, The Funk Upstairs, and most recently, Magic Bison. He loved to play bass with groups of musicians, but he also played percussion, guitar, and piano. Wes was a composer as well as a performer, and when he wrote a song he usually recorded it himself and played all the instruments on the recording. Wes was also a gifted music teacher, and he tried to make lessons fun for his students as well as himself. Wes is survived by his parents, Ed and Karen Phillips, his brother, Tim Phillips, and his special friend, Lynda Miell. Memorials honoring Wesley may be designated to the Grinnell High School Fine Arts Program or the Grinnell Area Arts Council, by way of Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.