Richard S Phillips, 79 of Delta and formerly Fayette, passed away at St Vincent’s Hospital on February 8,2023, surrounded by his family.
Richard was born in Hudson, Michigan, on January 16, 1944 to parents Howard and Eugina Phillips.
On October 2, 1965 he married the love of his life Patricia Phillips (Bittinger). He worked as a farm hand during his school years a job he very much enjoyed.
Richard was a 1962 graduate of Waldron High School before attending Michigan State University the following year.
After finishing school he spent time working in the manufacturing business and for Mobil Oil.
He spent the majority of his time in the manufacturing business at Fayette Tubular in Fayette and Ohio Art in Bryan before transitioning to civil engineering at the Air National Guard base in Swanton where he would happily retire.
He enjoyed camping, Michigan State football, spending time with family and friends, story telling, gardening, traveling with family, and attending Sunday morning service at the Fayette Nazarene Church with his wife.
Richard, being outgoing and extremely friendly, loved to share a story and laugh with everyone he came across.
He liked saying he never met a stranger he only met new friends. His favorite pastime was tinkering in the garage.
Richard also loved to help family with household projects such as remodeling, electrical work, dry walling, HVAC, repairing appliances, and all manors of handy man activities.
In addition to his wife Patricia, Richard is survived by two daughters Sherri Harris (Dave) Christy Shadbolt, his son Shane Phillips, his sister Deb Schaedler (Mel), his sister in-laws Bonnie Bittinger, Pam Gambler, Barbra Phillips, his 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many members of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his father and mother, his son Scott Phillips, his son in-law Mark Shadbolt, his daughter in-law Marquita Woodring, his two older brothers, four older sisters, and four brother in-laws.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 13th 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Eagle-Marry Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Reynard officiating. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Union Cemetery in Fayette.
Online condolences to the family may be offered at www.eaglemarryfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations in Richard’s memory may be given to the family for future designation.
The Eagle-Marry Funeral Home – Fayette Chapel is handling arrangements.
