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Walter Phillips Obituary
November 11, 1936 - January 24, 2025
Gold River, California - Walter Russell Phillips, of Gold River, passed away January 24, 2025 in Fair Oaks, California, at the age of 88. Walter was born in 1936 in Red Bluff, California to Russell and Helen (Conner) Phillips. He grew up in Manteca, California and graduated from Manteca High School in 1954. He went on to further his education at Modesto Junior College and Sacramento State College graduating in 1959. Walt obtained his teaching credential in 1961 and immediately got a job with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, at Mills Junior High in Rancho Cordova, CA, and taught there for 36+ years. He also coached football for 25 years and baseball for 15 years.
After two marriages ended in divorce, he married Marjorie Carlson in July of 1987. He loved his family, Steven (Lisa) Carlson, and two grandchildren Justine and Connor Carlson, and great granddaughter Annabelle Carlson. He enjoyed trips with them to Disneyland, Hawaii and other destinations. Walt and Marj traveled frequently to Hawaii, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming, and Disneyland and to Super Bowls XVI & XIX.
Walt was a dedicated sports fan, especially to the SF49ers, SF Giants and Sacramento Kings. For many years Walt was a season ticket holder for the 49ers and the Kings. A real highlight was Walt and Marj going to Super Bowl XVI in Detroit, and watching the Niners win their first Super Bowl!
In 2017 Walt was inducted into the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame as an outstanding coach.
He is survived by his wife Marjorie, step son Steven (Lisa) Carlson, grandchildren Justine Carlson, Connor (Athena) Carlson, great granddaughter Annabelle Carlson, brothers John (Cheri) Phillips, Robert (Dianne) Phillips, sister-in-law Marilyn Dunker, sister-in law CJ Phillips, several nieces and nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Helen Phillips, brother Gary Phillips, parents-in-laws Cecil and Muriel Erickson and brother-in-law Roger Dunker.
A special thank you to all the Caregivers at Cali Care who took such good care of Walt for a year and a half and to the hospice staff.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Phillips
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Steve Gillies
February 20, 2025
My 8th grade history teacher..intimidating disciplinarian at first to a 14 year old but a teacher than can change the course of a young persons life for the better!
RIP Sir.
Kristy
February 4, 2025
Sending sincere condolences to Marj and the family. Prayers for peace and comfort. RIP Walt Phillips
John Beatty
February 4, 2025
Mr. Phillips was a fantastic History teacher and an even better Football Coach. He was a firm but fair man and I will always hold fond memories of him. RIP "Coach"
Mark Young
February 3, 2025
He was my 8th grade history tea. He kicked me out of his class. One of the best lessons I ever learned. Great teacher even better person. R.I.P Mr. Phillips.
Robert Bedgood
February 1, 2025
A great man and an amazing teacher who made learning about history interesting and fun. Rest in peace Mr. Phillips...
Lynda Cunningham
February 1, 2025
RIP Walt.
Steven Stapp
February 1, 2025
Coach Phillips was so instrumental in my Jr. High Life as a teacher, coach, and friend. He singled in the defensive plays to me to call in the huddle and I was also his teacher assistant. My only one interception resulted in a big hug from Coach, which meant a lot if you knew him.
Ron Ferreirae
February 1, 2025
He really made a difference, helping so many of us to transition from children into responsible young adults.
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