Sam Scott Phillips

Sam was born on November 14, 1955, in Boonville, Missouri. Early in life his family relocated to Jefferson City where he graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1974. After his early schooling, Sam traveled to Columbia where he would go on to the University of Missouri to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration in 1978 and a law degree from the MU School of Law in 1982. Sam was a proud descendant of Hiram Phillips, Boone County Senator, co-founder of the University of Missouri and, in 1864, an elected Curator of the University of Missouri.

In his career, Sam chaired the Law Practice Management Committee for the Missouri Bar, worked as Executive Trust Officer and Vice President of Exchange Bank in Jefferson City, served as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Greene County, and, most recently, served as Deputy Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the MO Supreme Court. Commending his work on legal ethics, Sam was elected to the Board of Directors for the National Organization of Bar Counsel, acting as the Board’s liaison to the ABA’s Lawyer Competence Committee. In this role, Sam was proud of the opportunity to serve on the ABA’s international legal team in drafting the inaugural Moldovan and Republic of Georgian constitutional standards of legal ethics. After his 2024 retirement, Sam returned to the University of Missouri - this time as an instructor of courses on legal ethics at the Law School and Honors College. Sam’s tireless work has supported and continues to bolster the advancement of ethical standards in law and governance in both Missouri and elsewhere.

Not only defined by an estimable career, Sam was also an outstanding father, community leader, caring friend, avid outdoorsman, talented carpenter, and - most of all - an exemplary man. His warm, thoughtful character has left a lasting impression on all of those around him, and he will be dearly missed. He is survived by his son, Hamilton Price Phillips, of Washington, DC; his sister, Linda Mary Phillips of Springfield, MO; his brother, John Ruben Phillips (Charlotte) of Union, MO; his mother, Peggy Phillips of Columbia, MO, his partner, Anne Fitzsimmons; and his beloved nieces and nephews: April Phillips, Amy Phillips, Joel Phillips (Jennifer), and Adam Phillips (Sandra). He also leaves behind many great-nieces, great-nephews, and close friends who cherished his presence.

Sam was preceded in death by his son, Campbell Scott Phillips, and his father, Cpt. James Phillips, both of whom he deeply loved and missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the Boone County Historical Society at 3:00PM, preceded by a private burial at Hopewell Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Missouri River Relief: 916 N. College Ave #2, Columbia, MO 65201.