Tom Phillips

Tom Phillips, 69, of Panama City, Fla., passed away at Covenant Hospice at Bay Medical on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. He died peacefully and was surrounded by his family and close friends.

Tom was born in Oshkosh, Wis., on Feb. 19, 1944 to the late George and Pearl Phillips. He was the youngest of 8 children.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Helga Phillips; his daughter Terri and her husband John Grendi; one granddaughter, Brooke Grendi; one brother, Don Phillips (wife Michelle); one sister, Emily Fish (late husband Cliff); and two sisters-in-law, Trini Phillips (late husband Jack) and Marion Phillips (late husband Buddy).

After graduating from Lourdes High School, Oshkosh, Wis., in 1962, he joined the U.S, Air Force. He had a successful career in the military working in the life support field. He served his country for 26 years and retired from the Air Force in 1989. After retirement, he continued to work in the life support field with Lockheed Martin for another 17 years.

Tom was married to the love of his life, Helga, for 42 years. During his military service, they were able to travel the world and lived in Germany and Japan before retiring in Panama City, Fla.

The other love in Tom's life was the Green Bay Packers. He was an avid fan, and was especially proud of the fact that he was a partial owner of the team. Tom loved spending time outdoors, and was happiest when he was at home spending time with his family and friends by the pool.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 2014 at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. The family will receive friends and family one our prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Covenant Hospice Organization, CovenantHospice.org/WaysToGive.

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted or viewed on line at www.kentforestlawn.com.

Kent-Forest Lawn
Funeral Home
2403 Harrison Ave.
Panama City, FL 32405
850-763-4694
www.kentforestlawn.com