John Phillips

OELWEIN - John W. Phillips, 84, of Oelwein, died Thursday evening, July 1, 2010 after a long illness at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein, with his family by his side.
At John's request, there will be a private family graveside burial with the Rev. John Kerr officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein.
A private family visitation will be at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com
John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Aline Phillips of Oelwein; his daughter Beverly (Jon) Latham of Oelwein; his son Russell (Becky) Phillips of Oelwein; eight grandchildren, Jenny Taylor of Texas, Kevin Phillips of Wisconsin, John Phillips III of Louisiana, Holly Dittmer of Waterloo, Jamie (Paul) Knowles of Oelwein, Rusty Phillips of Oelwein, Kenny Estling of Mississippi and Jill (Shawn) Engels of Tipton and five great grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Larry and John Jr., infant sister Sarah and three brothers, Bobby, Jackie and Jerry.
John William Phillips was born on Aug. 12, 1925 at Puxico, Missouri, the son of Tom Miller and Ruby (Club) Phillips. After finishing high school, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy from June 6, 1943 to Feb. 21, 1946. He was a crewmember of the USS Sailfish, a submarine that patrolled the South Pacific for enemy ships. During his naval career he earned the World War II Victory Medal American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with a Bronze Star, China Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and the Honorable Service Pin.
John returned home and was united in marriage to Aline Louise Hansard on June 17, 1946 at Blytheville, Arkansas. They traveled from Arkansas, Louisiana, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota with John working at jobs mostly in the electrical field. John and Aline moved their family to Oelwein in 1959 where John began working for Interstate Power Company as a lineman foreman. Being the conscientious individual that he was about his job, John received much recognition for safety. After a 30-year career with the company, John retired in 1989. After retirement, John opened a lawn mower and small motor repair shop in his garage. He enjoyed antique cars and attending the local car shows. John was made an honorary member of the Oelwein Fire Department in 1976 and achieved a lifetime membership in the V.F.W. He was also recognized by the American Legion for outstanding service that contributed to the advancement of American Legion programs and Ross Reid American Legion Post 9.