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Robert 'Bob' Earl Phillips Sr.
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June 10, 1946 ~ February 18, 2014 |
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March 12, 2014 |
Robert “Bob” Earl Phillips Sr. passed away on
Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at his home near
Moyie Springs.
Bob was born on June 10, 1946, in Ontonagon,
Michigan. He graduated high school in Kellogg,
Idaho, and shortly after he joined the Marines
and was sent to Vietnam.
On July 19, 1965, at the age of 19, Bob took
several rounds to the head, leaving him blind.
Bob died peacefully in his sleep at his home.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Phillips;
brothers Glenn Phillips and David Phillips;
sisters Christine Dezell and Cyndie Brownowski;
children Terresa Phillips, Roberta Svenonius and
her husband Eric, Robert Earl Phillips Jr.,
Rebecca Phillips and Rachel Steele and her
husband Steven. He is also survived by his six
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Glen
and Dorothy Phillips, and brother Dennis
Phillips.
He lived a good long life, one of the strongest
men many of us have ever known. Bob was a
Vietnam Vet who fought a long hard battle up
until the time of his death. He was an
inspiration to many people, including his
children.
He was a Marine who served with pride and skill
and earned a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal
and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in the
process of losing his eyesight.
He did not let anything ever stop him from doing
what he wanted. No matter the faults of his
children, he always loved and cared for them.
Bob was an Amateur Radio operator, member of
local radio clubs, and was always not far from
the radio when you needed to call for help or
just a good friend to talk to.
Bob enjoyed fishing, trains, and of course,
radios.
“My dad served his country as a young man and
lost his sight for us to remain free," Roberta
said. "He never got to see any of his children.
I will never forget the legacy he leaves behind
nor all the life lessons I have learned from
him. I will miss you dad.”
“No matter how small the accomplishment I made,
he was always proud of me.” said daughter
Rebecca.
“Bob was the best father-in-law a person could
ask for," son-in-law Steve said. "He was an
inspiration for overcoming the hardships in life
and always managed to make you laugh. Bob, you
are sorely missed, it won’t be the same without
hearing your voice on the radio, or seeing your
line in the water.” |
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