Dale Edward Phillips

Our beloved tribal leader joined our heavenly Father, August 1, 2016. He was born October 11, 1946 at the Fort Yuma Indian Hospital. He is with his family, Grandfather Jim Phillips, Grandmother "Scuma" Jones, Father Willie Phillips, Mother Rose Coyote-Keyoite Phillips, Brothers Kenneth and Bruce Phillips.

He leaves behind his wife Carole Hayes Phillips, daughters Collete (Corinthia) Barley, Deanna Thomas (Michael Cleveland), Son Kalim Smith (Lana) 11 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He loved each one and always thought of them.

He graduated from Kofa High School where he is noted on the "Hall of Fame" for Wrestling. He also attended Arizona Western College where he received an AA Degree. He worked in the fields as a hay hauler and then as a Somerton Policeman.

In the 1970's and 80's, Mr. Phillips served in the following positions for the Cocopah Indian Tribe, Tribal Secretary, Councilmember, Vice-Chairman, and Chairman. He was instrumental in developing the first farming enterprise for the tribe through his work as a hay broker.

From 1991 to present, Mr. Phillips served as a tribal chairman, Councilmember and Vice-Chairman. Mr. Phillips was also a key player in leading the charge to legalize Indian Gaming in Arizona. In that endeavor, Mr. Phillips served as a chairman for the Indian Gaming Association. Mr. Phillips also served as a Chairman for the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona.

A member of many national appointed boards, Mr. Phillips was a member of the good Neighbor Environmental Board from 2001-2004, where he contributed to consensus based recommendations to the U.S. President and congress on environmental infrastructure issues along the U.S. Mexico border.

Mr. Phillips also taught courses for the DG University, on the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation near San Diego, CA. Mr. Phillips taught numerous courses on cultural and traditional values and Native American philosophy. In addition, Mr. Phillips held an administrative role from January 1999 to December 2006, serving on the Somerton School Board of Somerton, AZ. Most recently, Mr. Phillips has been working as a Field Representative for Teem Sustenta Enterprises, Inc. He was active in the Colorado River Water Rights during the Ward Valley Occupation, Needles, California.

Dale is remembered as a strong tribal leader and an ambassador, involved in cultural activities, loved the Bird Songs, playing peon, Shinny games, having a guord nearby. He went across to other tribal lands sand and danced and taught them the Native Culture. "Do not forget who you are," he would say. He saw the needs of the tribe, and promoted programs, manpower, CERTS and was instrumental in "peace and dignity" run where the tribe was represented in sending off nine runners to Mexico City, Mexico. We, the Cocopah Tribe, have lost a great leader, a spokesman, and a traditionalist.

His funeral service is Saturday, August 6, 2016, at Funeraria del Angel Kammann at 1-2 PM, visitation from 3-4 PM service at the Cocopah Nazarene Church, Somerton, AZ and then to East Cocopah Grounds for traditional ceremonies.

PALLBEARERS: Ethian Thomas, John Sanchez III, Cameron Barley, Corinthian Barley, Mitchell Davis, Anthony Gonzalez, Ernest Encinia, Nicholas Jackson, Anthony Davis, Micheal Cleveland, Brandon Phillips, Woodrow Phillips, Reginald Phillips, Lincoln Thomas, Kirby Dugan, Jr., Maurice Phillips, Dale Jim, Sr., Mario Vasquez, Steven Vasquez, Gabriel Roosevelt, Robert Antone.

HONARY PALLBEARERS: Kalim Smith, Larry Aldamas, Frankie Orosco, Jaylen Koteen, Chris Emerton, Will Ortega, Sr., Neil White, Peter Escalanti III, Marlowe Barley, Reggie Antone, Corine Barley, King Freeman, Wally Antone, Walter Homes,Jr., Philly Emerton.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel, Yuma, AZ.