Donald Phillips

Donald Phillips, 89, of Ceresco died on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family following a short illness.

Don was born on August 4, 1930 in Assyria Township, Michigan to Charles and Wilma (Crapo) Phillips.  He attended country school in Nashville, Assyria, and Bellevue.  As a young man, Don spent many years on his grandparent’s farm on High Hill Lake in Barry County.  On May 13, 1951 he married Shirley A. Mau in Battle Creek.  Don and Shirley have lived in the house they built in Newton Township for the past 68 years. Don joined the United States Army in 1952, and he spent time in Japan during the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1954.

Don retired in 1991 for the Calhoun County Road Commission after working for 28 years. Over the years he started as truck driver, and then a heavy equipment operator, and later supervisor of the Battle Creek Garage. Don was a member of the Teamsters Union.  He enjoyed time working around his house, time in the woods, and wood carving.  Don also enjoyed metal detecting, camping, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years Shirley of Ceresco; son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Cheri Phillips; grandchildren, Mason Phillips and Jason Gladstone all of Ceresco; a sister Joyce Phillips of Fulton; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Charles Phillips, Robert Phillips, Patrick Phillips, and Joanne Raines.

Family will gather with friends from 4-7pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the Marshall Chapel of the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US 27 N, Marshall MI 49068.  Funeral services celebrating his life will take place at 11am on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services Marshall Chapel 723 US 27 N Marshall MI 49068 with Pastor Connor Bailey officiating.  Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery.  Family requests memorial contributions to the Newton United Methodist Church.  Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.  Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at www.kempffuenralhome.com