Gerald Lee Phillips

Richmond – Gerald Lee Phillips, 67, of Richmond passed away at his home on March 2nd, 2026. A son of the late Orville and Nora (Caldwell) Phillips, Gerald was born on September 21st, 1958, in Connersville, Indiana. He graduated from Lincoln high school with the class of 1977. After high school Gary joined the United States Navy, where he spent 4 years on active duty and 6 years in reserve, he advanced to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class Jet Mechanic. Gary had a lifelong love of farming. He eventually would work at Visteon in Connersville as a machine operator until their closing. He then earned an associate's degree from Ivy Tech in heating and cooling. Gary began his Martial Arts career in 1981 when he was selected as the winner of three free lessons at the Chuck Norris Karate System. Gary wasn't aware beforehand, but that third lesson would change his life forever. During that session, the one and only Chuck Norris walked in and surprised everyone in attendance. Mr. Norris made such an impression on Gary that he decided to make a career out of teaching martial arts. He would eventually earn the 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo. In 1993 he began his training in Kuk Sool Won, an International Martial Arts. Also in 1993, he opened a Kuk Sool Won school in Richmond, Indiana. In October of 2024, he was ranked 6th degree Master in Kuk Sool Won.

In November of 1977, he married the former Kimberly Zoe Wilkins in Connersville, Indiana. They were blessed with 2 children, Orville Thomas and Jessica Ann.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Kim Phillips; 2 children; Tommy Phillips and Jessica Lowden; 1 grandson, Ian Lowden; 2 siblings, Vicky Jo Lady and James "Jimmy" Phillips.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Allen Phillips; and nephew, Darrell Spurlock Jr.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7th, 2026, at Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home, Dublin. Burial will follow at West Side Cemetery in Milton with Military Honors provived by contingents of the United States Navy and Lawrence H. Bertsch American Legion Post 169.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion Post #169, "Vets in Need" in the memo.