Gerard Davis Phillips Jr.

Gerard Davis Phillips, Jr. passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2014 in Abilene. He was born January 15, 1925 in Erie, PA to Gerard D. Phillips, Sr. and Mildred S. Phillips. He was one of three children with older brother, James, and younger sister, Margaret.

Gerard (Bud) graduated from Strong Vincent High School in Erie, PA and attended Manlius Military Academy in Manlius, NY. He was drafted into the Army in 1943 for WWII and was stationed at Camp Barkeley (Abilene, TX) for basic training and Fitzsimmons General Hospital (Denver, CO) for Medical Corps Training. During the war he was in the Central Burma Campaign, awarded a Bronze Star, and honorably discharged in 1946.

After World War II, Bud attended Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY and was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He met his future wife, Janet E. Hay at Syracuse. They were married on August 13, 1949 in Erie, PA. They resided in Syracuse, NY until Bud graduated with a M.S. Degree in Industrial Design.

After college, Bud was employed at American Standard Research and Development Lab in Louisville, KY where he became Chief Designer for plumbing fixtures. He worked there from 1951-1971 and then moved to Sheboygan, WI where he was Manager of Product Development and Engineering at the Kohler Company. He was a Design Consultant for Masco Corporation and Manager of Product Development and Engineering at U.S. Brass in Abilene, TX. He retired in 1989.

Bud and his wife, Jan, had three children and enjoyed attending and working at their swim meets. Bud liked working around the house and yard, having neighborhood kids over, and watching pro football games. He and Jan enjoyed their children and grandchildren visiting them in Abilene after they retired. Bud was an accomplished artist and spent numerous hours painting with oils and watercolors. Art was a lifelong hobby and he won numerous awards. Bud produced dozens of portraits and landscapes, which will be treasured by his family and friends.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; sister; brother; and his only son, Gerard D. Phillips, III. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janet; his two daughters, Becky (Tom) Hochwalt, and Lynne L. Phillips; daughter-in-law, Nancy Phillips; grandchildren, Max, Phil, and Jace Hochwalt; John, Amy, Erin, and Kim Lammers; Becca, Jon, Tyler, Fiona, and Samantha Phillips; and by numerous great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all of them.

Gerard D. Phillips was cremated and will be laid to rest in the Hay family plot in Erie, PA. Arrangements were handled by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St., Abilene.

Mrs. Phillips will receive guests with condolences at her residence from 12:00 to 1:00p.m. on April 16, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Taylor Jones Humane Society.