Born July 2, 1929 in Palmer to Jesse and Beulah (Cotterell) Phillips, he married Dorothy Madeline Seifert on November 24, 1950 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She died October 18, 1981. He later married Ingrid Sullivan on July 10, 1989 in Berwind Canyon, Colorado. She survives.
Also surviving are five children, Gail Marie Wesson of Colorado, Valerie Ann (Roger) Henson of Omaha, Nebraska, Mary Katherine (J.J.) Esposito of Apex, North Carolina, David Edward (Sheila) Phillips of Cleveland, Minnesota and Laura (Josef) Gray of Pekin; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Dave was formerly of Trinidad, Colorado and moved to Pekin in 2020.
He was a United States Navy veteran of the Korean War.
Dave retired from Lackawanna Leather Company in Omaha, Nebraska in 1987 with 20 years of service. He had always worked maintenance jobs, even in retirement. He had the gift to be able to fix most anything.
He was an avid harmonica player and enjoyed wood carving.
He was of the Christian faith.
His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 17, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor John King will officiate and military rites will be accorded by the United States Navy and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Inurnment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be may be made to the USS Sennet SS-408 Reunion Fund in care of Ralph Luther, 107 Wood Side Drive, Summerville, SC 29485-9301. Dave proudly served aboard the USS Sennet.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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