Ken - As your "Brother's Like No Other" - we as Marines Always Faithful In Action wish to say that, even though you've gone to serve a higher command, you will alway's make us proud to have shared your Corps values and love for our hard fought freedom. 

The life you've lived, the example you've set and the legacy of character you leave behind, for others to follow, will forever live in your memory as our hearts all beat as one. 

We as fellow combat veterans, who span across America, join in silent tribute today and salute you with honor. You served your family, friends, God and country in such an honorable manner. You will always be a part of our faithful brotherhood -- until we join ranks again my friend! Semper Fidelis. Sgt. Carl Jones, Co-Chaiman, Marines Always Faithful In Action / Vietnam 65'-66'

A good father leads by example, as Ken often led. Sometimes, a good father can also be a good friend. Ken managed to be both a good father and a good friend.

Kenny did not need to tell his children to “do as I say and not as I do” because he lived by a code. All of us are imperfect, but Ken lived a life worth imitating. Everyone that knew him, friends and foes, will admit that you always knew where Kenny Phillips stood. His opinions were not a secret and they were not wishy-washy and filled with political correctness.  

Ask Doug and he will tell you. Doug's dad always found time to coach a team of young boys and always made his son proud. He measured people by actions and not words. As Doug grew into manhood his relationship with his dad hardly changed. Instead of a coach on a football field, Ken became a golfing partner for Doug.

He lived by a code. Too few fathers live by a code. He demonstrated self-reliance in a thousand ways. I recall when he built his club basement. He wanted the beams to have a certain effect and achieved that effect by taking the beams out to the yard and beating them with a chain. He could have easily purchased prefabricated beams but that was never his way. Do it yourself and do it right should have been tattooed on his forehead.  Even late in his life he would not consider hiring people to take care of the lawn or to do many of the routine chores. He took pride in doing it himself and set that example for his children.

As a former son-in-law I had a unique point of observation. The first time I met him he gruffly asked, “How in the hell are you going to support my daughter on a policemen's salary?” He had a point.  In some ways we were polar opposites. I could not drive a straight nail. Kenny could build a house from scratch. However, like so many others, I was drawn to the man. 

Kenny was there for his daughter, but never excluded me. After a decade of divorce I remember Karen inviting me to Thanksgiving Dinner at her parent's house. I asked, “What does you father think about this?” Karen replied, “He just laughed, shook his head and said that you were always welcome.”

At that particular Thanksgiving, tragedy struck and Ken had to leave on Thanksgiving Day for a funeral. I happened to arrive as he was walking across the driveway to his car. Kenny explained the situation and said, “Take my place and make sure everybody has a good Thanksgiving.”  That was Kenny.

Each of us has our own memories of Kenny Phillips, but I think of him as a good father, who led by example. We sometimes laughed at his ‘Archie Bunker' firm opinions, but we admired him for his honesty, integrity and example. 

Happy Father's Day, Kenny.

Grandpop I love u so much and miss you more then anyone will ever realize. Thank you for always loving me and I will love u forever and dont forget that!

I remember the first time I ever met Ken Phillips. His son Doug had told me about a good crab place, Baldwin's in Joppa MD. I took my wife there and, lo and behold, there was Doug with Ken and Ann. The crabs looked great but, unfortunately, they were already sold out. Ken and his family had less than a dozen but right away he asked us to sit down and started pushing crabs towards us, insisting that we have some. I immediately thought, "What a generous person this man is." That was Ken!

When he invited me to his 4th of July party for the first time, he made it clear he would never ask me a second time. Because, as he explained, once you're invited the first time you are invited forever. That was Ken! 

I asked him one year if it was okay to bring my daughter and granddaughter along with her fiance and his son. He answered, "When I invite you, that invitation is extended to your entire family, of course they can come." That was Ken! 

Ken Phillips was a proud Marine, rightfully so. No, he was never in combat, but that doesn't matter. When you enlist in the Marines, you are volunteering to put your life on the line in a heartbeat because you never know what the next day will bring. Ken was a man's man, as close to a real live John Wayne as any man I have ever known. He did the Marines proud, representing them magnificently in every way that he could. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I loved that man.

Often, whenever I thought about Ken, or was with him, I would think back to that kind gesture of offering those crabs to my wife and me the very first time we met. That was something I would never forget, and it made a lasting impression as to what a generous and giving person he was.

I am so grateful that God kept Ken around long enough to see his beloved Ravens win another Super Bowl. It was only fitting that he was able to go out that way.

When you would leave Ken's company and say your goodbye's, he would invariably give you a firm handshake, look you in the eye, and say "Always a pleasure, always a pleasure." But really Ken, to those of us who were fortunate enough to know you and spend some time with you, the pleasue was ours.    

Bill Bonarrigo

Doug,
We are so very sad to hear about the passing of your Dad.  Topper was a good man and always fun to be around. Take comfort in knowing he is in a better place.  A place without pain and sadness.  You and your family are in our thoughts.

Jim & Mindy Rogers

I am heart broken this morning reading Mr. Kens passing. Mr.Ken was truely a great man as many of us who played 
baseball for him and grew up around him and the entire Phillips family. Doug from our family to yours we wish you all the best for the future.

I was very sorry to hear of Kenneth's passing.  He was my second cousin, but we rarely saw one another due to how far apart we lived.  The family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Uncle Ken, for loving us when we needed you, your confidence in our bright futures, keeping us close and being proud of our accomplishments. Our lives are better because you were in them. 
We will miss you always. 
Deb

Semper Fidelis old friend. Make sure you keep an opening in your foursome for Ebert and Herb.

Doug, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I have many great memories of tailgating with you and Topper K. He was a good man and will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

Karen, I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing.  We, at the Club, are all thinking of you and your family during this sad time.  Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.  Penny Hiller

Doug,
My sympathy to your and your family on the passing of your father. I know how much he meant to you and he will live each and every day through you. Stand strong you are loved by many my friend.

A buyer client introduced me to Ken and his inspection company, Assured Property Inspections and for many years thereafter he assisted my clients, always giving a 100% .I enjoyed working with Ken. He will be missed

Karen L. Jones ( Long and Foster Realtors )

 Doug and the Phillips Family...I'm so sorry to learn of Mr. Kens passing.  Although it's been a long time (since high school) that I've seen Mr. Ken he was very instrumental in my formative years. I always enjoyed arriving at the baseball field seeing Mr. Ken --- He was one of my favorites. I know this is a very difficult time for your family and he is in my heart and will always be remembers with such fondness.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Kenneth's passing. He always greeted me with a friendly smile, and I'll never forget his kindness. He was a die-hard Baltimore sports fan, and it's wonderful that Kenneth saw his Baltimore Ravens win the Super Bowl in February. I remember tailgating with him like it was yesterday; he always added joy to those festivities. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps., Kenneth loved his country and served it with great valor; his service will never be forgotten. My love and prayers go out to the entire family; your memories of Kenneth will carry you all through this very difficult time!

Ann, Bil and I are so sorry for your loss. We liked Ken very much and know he will be missed by your family and friends. We will keep you in our prayers.

On behalf of daugther, Karen's friends and co-workers at United Airlines, I offer most sincere and heartfelt condolences from all.  Many of us have come to know what a great person, father and human being he was thru the kind and adulatory words of his adoring daughter, Karen.  JoAnne Harris, Friend and Co-worker, United Airlines

Ann, we send our love and prayers to an old  friend and the family. Our blessings. Ken and Ruth Norden

"Ken kept it simple: family and country. He walked the talk. He was a husband, father brother, Pop Pop and friend.  He was a patriot and a perfect example of Semper Fidelis, the Marine Corps motto that means always faithful. 

His heart held a special and sacred place for veterans, our military, and our flag. Ken Phillips could have been placed into any period of history without any changes. He could have led a clan on the moors of Scotland, or stood on the wall of the Alamo. 

When wronged he moved forward. He never wasted time on self-pity. He took life as it came and rose to every challenge. Above all, he loved and cared for his family and friends.

It is said that one never dies while one is remembered and honored. Ken Phillips certainly will live on in is wife, brother, sister, children and grandchildren. His story will be told throughout the generations of his family."

Bob Decker (Texas)

Doug, my prayers are with you and your family.  I remember Ken being one of the first to welcome me into he Ravens Nest.  He was a good man.

Ann, We are so sorry for the loss of Kenny.Remembering him from long ago.He was a out going sociable person ,well liked.

Ann and family and to Rebecca..Kenny (what I called him) was a special person to me and I sincerely am so sorry for your loss.  Rebecca..you have another star in the sky watching over you.  Love Aunt Sharon.

Ken was such an influence on me. A Father figure, a voice of authority, and always a friend. He reinforced the impotance of family and friends taught to me by my Mom and Stepdad. I love Ken like the special person he was.

Ann, Ken was a special person,I'll never forget all the great times we shared at any Ravens event.  All the great stories told.  You two are special people! My love and sympathy for you and your family. Always have a smile on my face when I think of Ken.  Bless you all! Rest in peace Ken.  Lauren

In recognition of Kenneth Elwood Phillips' Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the members of the SSgt Walter F. 'Trae' Cohee III Detachment # 115, Salisbury, MD as of well as the members the Tri-Cities Detachment # 969, Gray, TN of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences SEMPER FIDELIS to his family.



Don Elseroad
Staff Sergeant USMC (Ret)
MCL Detachment # 115 & # 969

Doug,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. 
Liana and Jessica

DON & I CONSIDER KEN TO BE ONE OF BEST FRIENDS. DON WAS GRATEFUL TO HAVE HIS SUPPORT WHEN THEY WORKED TOGETHER AT GM.  HE ALWAYS FELT HE WAS A GREAT SUPERVISOR.

HE WAS LARGER THAN LIFE AND A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GREAT TIMES WE HAD WITH KEN & ANN.

THERE ARE NO WORDS TO CONVEY A DEEPEST
SYMPATHY FOR ANN, FAMILY & FRIENDS.

OUR LOVE,
DON & PAT

Ken, I'm blessed to have known you; I always thought of you as one of my "adopted dads" and always had the best times with you at Ravens games. You will be greatly missed.

My love, you are everything to me.
You are the seasons and the times of all my life.
You are long-shadowed summer days
And sultry, scented summer nights.
You are the memories of dark morning mists:
A solitary figure waiting on the bridge,
The pensive study seated by the river.
You are autumn bursting with bold
Glorious color on the mountain.
You are winter on the icy ferry and the
Snow spray walk along the ocean shore.
You are spring racing on unfinished highway,
The gentle wind that stroked my face.
You are the music of the earth, songs I cherish
That flood my mind with thoughts of you.
You are the strength that sustains me;
The voice that soothes me.
You are pride and courage, generosity and wisdom.
What can I know or see or hear or feel
That isn't you?
All my yesterdays, todays and tomorrows are you.
You are anchored to my soul.
     Ann

OBITUARY

Kenneth Elwood Phillips

July 12, 1934 – June 1, 2013

Schimunek Funeral Home

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