John Franklin Phillips Jr.

It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, John Franklin Phillips, Jr., on the evening of August 21, 2024. 

John was born on March 4, 1936, the second child of eight born to John F (Frank) and Mary Mackey Phillips, Gladewater, Texas. He graduated Gladewater High School in 1954 and attended Kilgore College before entering military service in 1956. After serving honorably in the US Army in Germany, he returned to Texas and enjoyed a career in sales working for several companies until his retirement. He spent his last nine years as a resident at Legend Oaks in Gladewater. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Phillips and by a brother Mason Phillips and wife, Jackie Biddy Phillips, all of Gladewater, a sister Margaret Gulotta of Houston, a brother-in-law John B Poindexter, San Antonio and a special friend and former high school classmate, Mary Cowan. 

John is survived by sisters Ann Poindexter of Boerne, Jane and husband Mike Wellings of Lakeway, Cathy and husband Glenn Shipp of Gladewater, Rose Williams of Cypress and Becky and husband Charlie Brashear, Longview. Additionally, John is survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who will forever treasure memories of his engaging tales. There wasn’t a place in Texas that he hadn’t visited or knew the history to which he would gladly share at family gatherings, and especially those memorable occasions with additional close friends and family members Tom Williams, Stuart Gulotta and Jim Daniels. 

John’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Legend Oaks for the thoughtful and skilled care provided John during his years as a resident. 

A private family graveside service will be held for John in Gladewater at Rosedale Cemetery. 

If so desired, In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of John to The Gladewater Museum, PO Box 85, Gladewater TX 75647 or to a charity of your choice.