Joshua Mack Phillips

May 31, 1931 – October 8, 2010

Joshua M. Phillips 79, died at home on October 8, 2010 with his family in attendance. Joshua was born in Ashton, Idaho to Walter and Lydia Phillips on May 31, 1931. He attended school and worked on the family farm before going to College of Southern Idaho in Albino. After one semester of college he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War as a 1st Lt. in the Second Infantry Division; which he proudly claimed as the “Second Division, second to none”.

Joshua held many jobs throughout his lifetime, but was most proud of his construction work. He was a tunnel worker on the Oroville Dam and other dams throughout Northern California. He also worked construction sites in Sumatra and Saudi Arabia as a Crew Chief for Bechtel. After returning to Merced he worked as a carpenter.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, camping with his family, gardening, crossword puzzles and his favorite game shows.

Joshua was preceded in death by his two brothers, Vic and Glen Phillips, and his sister, Lida Harringfeld, all of Ashton, Idaho.

His survivors include his wife of 58 years, Patricia (George) Phillips; their children, Lydia (Phillips) and Gary Osias; their children, Aaron of Castro Vally and Rachel of Monterey, Jeffrey and Elizabeth Phillips of Oroville; their children, Leslie, Stephanie, and Jeffrey of Arizona, Eric and Sallie Phillips of Merced; Eric’s children, Justin of Oregon and Regina of Alaska, and Diane (Phillips) and Steven Pacheco of Merced; their children, Kevin Phillips of Atwater and Sara Phillips-Pacheco of Merced. Joshua is also survived by 10 great grandchildren; his sister, Donna Griffel of Ashton, Idaho, and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family request donations to be made to, Hinds Hospice, P.O. Box 763 Merced, California 95341 or to Heifer.org, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.

No services will be held.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.