Obituary for Robert E Phillips

Robert Earl Phillips, 82, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2011, with loved ones by his side. Bob was born October 3, 1928, near Macedonia, Iowa, son of Archie and Sarah (Fisher) Phillips. The family moved to the Pacific Junction/Glenwood area, where they farmed for many years and Bob attended school. Bob joined the Army in 1950 and served his country for two years during the Korean Conflict. On September 3, 1953, Bob and Dorothy Lee Altaffer were married in Atlantic, Iowa. They were blessed with five children: Rebecca Lee, Randall Earl, Evelyn Marie, Geoffrey Neal and Lisa Michelle. He was a heavy equipment operator and masonry contractor for many years in Glenwood and the surrounding areas. The family lived mainly in the Glenwood region, but spent several years traveling with Bob’s employment and lived in a variety of areas including Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Wisconsin and Ohio. He was an avid reader and will always be remembered with a book in hand. He loved his family, his pets and cherished spending time in the mountains. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, playing cards, telling stories, and visiting with friends and family. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Lisa, daughter-in-law Deborah (Godsey) Phillips, and brothers-in-law Herschel Atchison and Bob Homan. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; children Becky and Max Radford (Glenwood), Randy Phillips (Glenwood), Evie Phillips and Rich Bowman (Douds) and Geoff Phillips (Hastings); sisters Iola Homan (Pacific Junction), Doris Phillips and Charlotte Atchison (Glenwood); brother Archie (Bud) Phillips (Challis, Idaho); grandchildren Kendy LeMaster, Renee Heller, Lucas Radford and Sarah Phillips; five great, grandchildren and one great, great, grandson. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, but will live on in our family and fond memories. As per Bob’s wishes, his remains have been cremated and the family continues to celebrate his life. Memorials may be made to the Glenwood Public Library, Red Oak Public Library or Heartland Home Care/Hospice.