Joseph Phillips, Jr.

Born February 17, 1944 in Pekin to Joseph Jonathan Jefferson, Sr. and Jessie (Shay) Phillips, he married Linda Marie Ann (Cassettari) Thompson on March 13, 1999 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Deborah (Marvin) Hayes of Houston, Missouri, and Julie (Michael) Cape and Diane (Roger) Lewis, both of Rolla, Missouri; one step-daughter, Lisa Thompson of Pekin; two step-sons, Josh Thompson and Ben Thompson, both of Boca Raton, Florida; eleven grandchildren; four brothers, Bill (Dot) Phillips of Missouri, Dan (Rose) Phillips and Larry (Sandy) Phillips, both of Pekin, and Jerry (Jenny) Phillips of Springfield, Missouri; two sisters, Alberta Hoak and Joann Rynearson, both of Pekin; and one step-brother, Jim (Darla) House of Mackinaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother (Imogene Phillips), two brothers (Ralph Phillips and James Phillips, in infancy).

He was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

Joe was an over the road owner/operator truck driver since 1994, last working in June. Previously, he worked as a mechanic.

He attended First Assembly of God in Pekin.

Joe enjoyed woodworking.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2009at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin where military rites will be accorded.

Memorial contributions may be to the Kidney Cancer Association, 1988 Momentum Place, Chicago, IL 60689-5319.