Presley Elwood Phillips

Presley Elwood Phillips, 94, of Litchfield Park passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. Elwood began his life in Phoenix when the city was very young. The stories of his youth were filled with names and places that are still known throughout the Valley and he NEVER forgot a name. His college education at the University of Arizona was cut short by World War II, but his beloved Wildcats always remained #1. As a bombardier on a B52 during the war, Elwood was shot down and imprisoned in Stalag Luft 13. Returning to Goodyear, he began his farming career that lasted through many cotton crops. A blind date with Mary Ellen Prewitt led to their marriage and two children. When he wasn’t standing on a ditch bank, he could probably have been found standing on the golf course at the Wigwam. As an early club member, he spent many days there with his buddies “working” on his game. Elwood loved to tell a story, read a history book, savor a good Scotch, and snack on potato chips and gingersnaps. He was a genius at the Jumble and crossword puzzles. Just like the cotton he so carefully tended, he added many colorful and strong threads to the fabric of our family. Elwood will join his wife, Mary Ellen and sister, Doris Rhodes in Heaven along with many dear friends. He is survived by his daughter, Janet Mitchell (Bart) and his son, Clint Phillips (Andi). Also, granddaughters, Ashley Kinsling (Todd), Alison Phillips, Stacey Phillips, Haley Dahlin and great-granddaughter, Addison Kinsling. Services will be private and the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity or Hospice of the Valley.