Paul G. Phillips, 89, passed away at 5:15am, Wednesday, February 18th, at Pacific Care Center in Pacific, MO, a Nursing Home close to Paul’s Stepdaughter’s house, Kathy. He and his wife, Betty, came to live with Kathy and her husband, Tony in October of 2010 after it was apparent Betty and Paul’s health was failing. Paul was born in Terre Haute, IN on October 5, 1925 to Edna and George Phillips.
Paul is survived by Betty’s family that he considered as his own….. daughters, Karen Coy Foster of Marshfield, MO, Janice Coy Dermody and husband Tom of Springfield, MO, Kathy Coy Erwin-Ruesing and husband Tony of St. Louis, MO, a son, Donald E. (Skip) Coy of Scottsdale, AZ, twenty-four grandchildren, forty-five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. From a previous marriage, Paul also has two sons that have not been in contact with him in forty years and one grandson. Our family is sad for those who have missed out on such a loving man. It has been our pleasure to call him DAD. Other surviving family members include sister-in-law, Elsie Phillips of Terre Haute, nephews Kim Phillips and wife Tracie and daughter Katie of Franklin, IN, and Mark Phillips and wife Pam of Terre Haute. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 37 years, Betty, and daughters Kay Coy Freudenberg and Judith Coy Roberts, and brothers, Vern Phillips and Jim Phillips.
Paul was a 1943 Wiley High School Graduate. He was a WW II Veteran, serving in the Navy. He worked at Model Milk and also at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and retired after working as Superintendent of the Buildings and Grounds Department.
He attended Faith Wesleyan Church with his wife, Betty. Paul loved working outside maintaining the home he built at 3425 College Ave. in Terre Haute. His friends would tease that a weed would not dare think to grow in his lawn! Paul was a master carpenter able to build anything he put into his mind. Paul always helped anyone who would ask him to repair, paint, or build something for them. He enjoyed the Indianapolis 500 and had season tickets for the race 30 plus years. His was an avid IU basketball fan! Paul also loved “his” family. Betty’s children called him DAD because he so loving to their mother and to all of them, and he was such a fabulous Grandpa to all the children!
Funeral services will be at DeBaun Springhill Chapel, 85 East Springhill Dr., Terre Haute on Saturday, February 28, 2015 with Pastor Ray Austin officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:00am-1:00pm with the service immediately following. The funeral procession will pass by the home that Paul built, one last time. before going on to Rose Lawn Memorial Park for interment. Vigo County Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a contribution in Paul’s name be made to Pacific Care Center, 105 So. 6th St., Pacific, MO, 63069, Med Plus Hospice, 473 N. Kirkwood Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122 or The Alzheimer’s Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of DeBaun Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.debaunfuneralhomes.com