Larry Phillips

LARRY PHILLIPS Larry Dave Phillips, son of James Albert and Pauline Mildred Aston Phillips, was born, October 17, 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri. He departed this life, Sunday, December 6, 2009 in St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri at the age of seventy-five years, one month and nineteen days. On March 24, 1956 in Miami, Oklahoma, he was united in marriage to Betty Alice Danner. Together they shared fifty-two years until her passing on May 28, 2008. A ceremony was held in 2004 where they renewed their wedding vows to demonstrate their love for one another. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter-in-law, Cheryl C. Phillips; three brothers, Al, Don and Bob Phillips and two sisters, Sis Brecht and Judy Shockey. Survivors include four children, Vickie Gilliland and husband Mark of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Larry Wayne Phillips of Edwards, Missouri, Troy Phillips and wife Deann of Cross Timbers, Missouri and Jeffrey Mel Phillips and wife Debbie Jo of Climax Springs, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; two sons-at-heart, Mark Phillips and Bobby Phillips both of Climax Springs, Missouri; a brother, Terry Phillips and wife Shirley of Waverly, Missouri; two sisters, Gail Franklin and husband Cary of Bates City, Missouri and Barbara Jean McNurlin of Independence, Missouri and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. Larry was raised in the Kansas City area. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Kansas City where he met and married the love of his life. After his marriage to Betty, they made their home in Independence for a short time before moving to a home in the country in rural Edwards, Missouri. There they lovingly raised their children. Larry and Betty were very selfless people, who gave of their time and resources to help others. When Larry's brother had a severe health issue, Larry and Betty quit their jobs and moved the family to Independence to take care of his brother's children. After returning home, they opened their home as foster parents to developmentally disabled children and cared for them night and day for over twenty-three years. Larry worked for the Local 588 Laborers Union and built many bridges and dams. He retired after many years of service. Larry made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of Ozark Bethel Chapel Assembly of God Church in Climax Springs. In his spare time, he enjoyed lifting weights, hunting, his cattle and his farm. Most of all, he had a passion for woodworking and made many wonderful items throughout the years. Larry was a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle and was a caring neighbor and friend. He touched many lives during his life and made a huge impact on those lives he touched. We celebrate his life and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 10, 2009 in Ozark Bethel Chapel Assembly of God in Climax Springs with Pastor Alonzo Thomas officiating under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton. Burial with military honors will follow in Phillips Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday in Ozark Bethel Chapel Assembly of God Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.