Frederick S. Phillips

Colonel (Ret.) Frederick S. Phillips, Sr., 81 of Monument, Colorado passed away, Wednesday, September 14, 2011. Fred was born January 18, 1930 in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of Sherwood and Ruth (Vetter) Phillips.

He graduated from Muscatine High School in 1947 where he starred as center on the varsity basketball team. He then attended the University of Illinois where in 1951 he received his Bachelor's degree and Air Force commission through the ROTC program. He was also a proud member of the Sigma Rho chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. In addition, Fred received his MBA from George Washington University in 1964. In 1950, while working in Estes Park, Colorado, his family's summer home, during a summer break from college, Fred met the love of his life and best friend, Patricia (Pat) Graham, at the historic Dark Horse Bar. The two of them were married on October 21, 1950 and shared sixty-one wonderful years together living in many locations throughout the US and world, including Colorado Springs and three exciting, adventurous years in Germany. Fred retired from the United States Air Force in 1979 as a Colonel after a distinguished 28 year career which included a tour of duty in Korea during The Korean War and assignments at the Pentagon. In 1979, Fred was awarded the highly-prestigious Legion of Merit, in honor of his exemplary service in defense of our nation.

After retirement from the USAF, Fred continued his professional career as an executive with Unisys Corporation, living in Plymouth, Michigan and Great Falls, Virginia. He was a well-respected leader and regular member of the Chairman's Club throughout his thirteen years of service. Tired of navigating the Beltway and numerous airports, in 1992 he retired and moved to his beloved state of Colorado.

Fred was amazingly active throughout his retirement with a variety of hobbies (golf, fishing, travel) and involvement with numerous philanthropic and service organizations. He was an active, enthusiastic member of both Kiwanis and Sertoma, and regularly cheered on the Fighting Falcons of the USAFA as a member of the Blue and Silver Club. Fred enjoyed "the Old West" and as a youth had attended camp and learned to hunt in Montana. His favorite hobby, however, was definitely playing golf and he did it quite well - maintaining a USGA handicap index of 18 at age 81! His real love of the game, however, was the camaraderie and fellowship he experienced with his many golfing buddies.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Pat and five children: Kristy McNeil (Roger) of Iron Mountain, MI; Sally Hazlett (Sam) of Monument, CO; Fred Phillips, Jr. (Martha) of Sunnyvale, TX; Ann Keller (Rod) of Orinda, CA; and Paul Phillips (Leslie) of Lake Orion, MI. In addition, Fred had eight grandchildren and one great-grand daughter: Ben McNeil, Beth McNeil, Scott Hazlett (Sarah), Kristen Hazlett, Gillian Keller, Trey Phillips, Rick Phillips, Wesley Phillips and Eleanor Hazlett. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Suzanne Hirsch (Herb) of Largo, Florida and Martha Whitmore (Jim) of Evergreen, CO.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.