VERNE DWIGHT PHILLIPS

Verne Phillips

Verne D. Phillips, 86, of Ray died at 9 a.m. Oct. 19, 2006, at his home.

He was born Jan. 29, 1920, in Oakland Township near Ray, a son of George Samuel and Goldie Skiles Phillips. He married Melba Curtis on April 11, 1948, in Palmyra, Mo. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Danny D. (and Carol) of Rushville; one daughter, Barbara (and Bill) Campbell of Beardstown; one sister, Genevieve Russell of Camp Point; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lonora Phillips and Frederica Heaton; and four brothers, Temple, Loren, William (Jay) and George.

He was an Army sergeant during World War II, serving with 1st Cavalry Division, Battery C, 99th Field Artillery during the New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Southern Philippines and Luzon campaigns. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, Bronze Service Arrow with one Service Stripe, four Overseas Service Bars and the Good Conduct Medal.

He was a lifelong Oakland Township Schuyler County farmer and worked for Schuyler County Highway Department, retiring in 1985. He served on the Oakland Township board 38 years, and was a member of Schuyler American Legion Post #4, and the former Ray Community Church.

Services were held Monday at Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with Rev. Tim Gilliland officiating. Burial was in Rushville City Cemetery where military rites were accorded.

Memorials may be made to Culbertson Memorial Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 10/25/2006