Bobby Phillips

NEW LEBANON — Bobby (Robert) Charles Phillips, AKA "Scoop," 91, a longtime resident of New Lebanon, Montgomery County, Ohio, passed away on Jan. 12, 2025, early Sunday morning at 2:02 a.m. He was at peace, surrounded by his favorite music, his two faithful cats, Day City Hospice care, a personal home caregiver and his eldest daughter. While listening to his favorite Neil Diamond CD playing "Turn Down the Lights," he left us.

Bobby was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Carol Ann Ramsey Phillips; son Philip Charles Phillips; father John Charles Phillips; mother Maeona Caudill Phillips Wall and stepfather Robert B. Wall; his two sisters, Virginia Mae (Ginger) Phillips Bittinger (Carl "Pete" Bittinger,) Lona Jeaniene Phillips Duskey (Richard G. Duskey) and brother Richard William (Dick) Wall; brothers-in-law Phillip Daryl Osborn and Carl Edmond O'Dell; grandson-in-law David John Morelle and great-grandchildren Mackenzie T. Morelle, Benjamin C. Morelle and baby Emmy Isabella Thompson. Also preceding him in death was his father-in-law and mother-in-law Marcus K. Ramsey and Catherine N. Turvene Ramsey, brother-in-law Larry K. Ramsey and niece Lindsey R. Ramsey.

He is survived by two daughters, Sharon Kay Phillips Mallow, Washington Township and Linda Sue Phillips Shinn (Kevin Hayes,) North Chesterfield, Virginia; five grandchildren, Jenny M. Shinn Morelle, Sara R. Shinn, Michael A. Shinn, Kelsey A. Mallow Thompson (Justin Thompson,) William T. Mallow and five great-grandchildren, Alexa, Jayce, Easton, Zachary and Brooks; two sisters, Kristeen Wall Osborn and Annette Wall O'Dell and two sisters-in-law, Melinda Lindsey Wall and Melinda Bianco Ramsey, along with numerous special cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by special friends, Judge Walter H. Rice and wife Bonnie Beaman Rice, Retha Phillips, Barbara Francis Upthegrove, John T. Elder and wife Ann H. Elder, Art Cerf, Steve Diorio, David H. Berkebile, Jim Bucher, and Sharon Howard White; along with his caring neighbors and so many others, the family thanks you for the years of meaningful friendship.

Bobby spent his early years on the farm, located a country block from Hueston Woods, in Morning Sun, Israel Township, Preble County. After the death of his father when Bobby was the very young age of three, his Grandpa Robert B. Caudill stepped in. He lived and worked on the farm during these early years and was surrounded by his mother, grandparents, sisters, uncles, aunts and many cousins. Another special mentor from Bobby's early life was Doctor McKinley of Camden. The doctor invited Bobby to join his family and his son on a family vacation to Michigan. During this trip, he ate at fancy restaurants, remembering the hot warm bread served and fell in love with the Upper Peninsula. On this trip, Doctor McKinley told Bobby that he had a real talent with cameras and that he should pursue it, and so it all began!

An honored Marine and veteran, Bobby attended training at Pensacola, Florida and was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. He saw action with both his gun and camera during the Korean War. After the war and with his service to his country complete, he rushed home to marry his high school sweetheart.

With his young wife and growing family, Bobby began work at WPAFB and moved to New Lebanon. On his drive home from work one day, he saw an advertisement sign on a Dayton trolleybus that said "TV2 News — Coming to Dayton." As he coined it, "I saw the bus, I rode the bus and after 51 years, I got off the bus."

Honored with numerous awards and Emmys, he is often remembered for his works with the Phil Donahue Show, a syndicated TV talk show with early beginnings in Dayton. Traveling with Phil Donahue, a favorite interview was with Maria von Trapp and her family in Stowe, Vermont. "The Sound of Music," the last musical score produced by Rodgers and Hammerstein, tells the Family von Trapp story. This musical production was on the top of "a few of Bobby's favorite things" and remains a family favorite.

Another special memory was "The Three Amigo's," honoring three friends: Dale Huffman, Chuck Upthegrove and Bob Phillips for their friendship and news media talents. Adding to this exciting event was Mr. Phil Donohue, as an honored guest of the "Amigos." Per Retha Phillips, all three "were always on top of the news" with their talents in photography, videography and reporting.

Bob Phillips was "a first" inductee to the newly founded Dayton Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2003. This organization continues to honor local Miami Valley broadcasting talent, now for over twenty years.

Bobby's quick wit and humor will be missed, his stories and jokes were many. His ability to "Scoop" came naturally, as did his love for all people, animals and especially the Dayton area community. Storytelling through photos and video were his gifts to us, along with many "isms" not to be forgotten — "There is no news in the newsroom."

Most important to Bobby was his family, always making sure they were safe and okay. Like his grandfather before him, he was always there.

The family would like to receive family and friends to remember with a Celebration of Life Memorial for Bobby (Robert) Charles Phillips, Saturday, Feb. 1, at Central Presbyterian Church, 4699 Lamme Road, Dayton, with Pastor Cliff Haddox officiating, joined by special guest Chaplain Spencer from Day City Hospice. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., with a formal service at 3 p.m.

A light dinner will follow the service.

A heartfelt thank you to Day City Hospice and their team of professionals and caregivers, along with Bobby's personal caregivers. They circled him with love and allowed him to stay at home, where he wanted to be.

Our sincerest gratitude to the New Lebanon Fire Department and the Farmersville Rescue Squad, always there when called.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating your time or resources to your local Humane Society or if able, adopt or foster to honor Bobby's love for all animals.

Mr. Rogers once said: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."

Isaiah 58:9 says, "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say, 'Here I am.'"

The Phillips family would like to extend their gratitude to all those that helped during this time.

Thank you.

Interment arrangements by Preble Memorial Gardens Funeral Center.