Larry Lee Phillips

Larry Phillips, 84, husband, father, & grandfather passed away on May 31st, 2024, at the VA hospital in Indianapolis, IN.  He was born on July 8th to David and Eva (Bilyeu) Phillips in Indianapolis in 1939. Larry fought a tough battle for many years.  He received a liver transplant in 2004 and had undergone many cancer treatments over the past 10 years. He recently had undergone radiation treatments for his cancer and 3 stents due to a blockage in his heart. Even with all his medical issues, his goal was to travel to MN to see his first granddaughter get married. Unfortunately, he passed 1 week before her wedding, but he will be with us in our hearts.

Larry served in the Unites States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1979 achieving the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Larry served during the Vietnam Conflict in 1966/7.  He served oversees in Okinawa, Japan 3 times.  He was honorably discharged and retired from the Marine Corps in 1979. You would never see Larry without him displaying his pride in the USA by wearing one of his many Marine Corps hats, belts, or jackets. He and Mary decided to move to Speedway, IN, to be close to family. After his military retirement Larry worked mostly as a machinist until retiring in 2004.

He inherited one dominant trait from his mother – stubbornness.  Even though his health was deteriorating, Larry could also be found working in the yard or climbing ladders, things that he knew he shouldn’t be doing.  He just wanted to help and have a purpose. While at home, he could usually be found sitting in the garage or on the back porch enjoying a cigar.  He was a simple man, with simple pleasures, but he was one hell of a good man.  

In his younger years he had many hobbies: hunting, fishing, bowling, playing cards with friends and family, water skiing, darts, and visiting local Indianapolis racing venues.   He also enjoyed skating while in high school.  If fact, he was the 1959 Indiana State Champion in figure skating.

He and Mary loved to travel. After retirement they took several cruises, travelled to Jamaica, Hawaii, several trips to Las Vegas, and many trips to Wisconsin to visit their grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Mary Phillips, and 3 boys Joe (Brenda) Phillips of Rockville, IN, Mike (Ann) Phillips of Eau Claire, WI, and Pat Phillips of Speedway, IN.  He is also survived by 3 grandchildren: Mallory (Kyle) Chase of Burnsville, MN, Hannah of Eau Claire, WI and Matthew of Eau Claire, WI, a brother-in-law James Neff of Monterey, IN, and many cousins, nieces, & nephews.

Larry was a member VFW post 98, American Legion post 500, Amvets Post 99, and frequented VFW Post 1587 often. He would most often be found “visiting the wall” for his “cardboard crack” otherwise known as pull tabs.  The family wishes to extend our condolences to the above for their lost revenue resulting from less pull tab sales :)

We are very thankful that he got to visit one of his favorite places, Las Vegas, with his entire family just one month prior to his death.  Although he very seldom won, he always had a good time trying. He would say “I’d cash out, but I’m not a quitter.”

He is preceded in death by his parents David and Eva Phillips and his brother Charles Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution to Homeless Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF).

Following the service there will be a celebration of life at VFW Post 98 for all Larrys family and friends.