Robert James Phillips

Robert "Bobby" James Phillips, age 83, of Long Beach, California passed away, Friday, February 21, 2025. Bobby was born on June 26, 1941 in Altus, Oklahoma to James Travis and Virginia Eileen (Southall) Phillips. He grew up on the family farm southeast of Altus, Oklahoma and was the oldest of the 7 children in his family. His first job was at 8 years old, picking cotton, being paid by the pound and came home every day with bloody hands. He saved his money to buy his first car at 16 years old. He attended school in Humphreys, Headrick and Altus Oklahoma (walking 10 miles in the snow, uphill, both ways) and graduated from Altus High School in 1959. He moved to California in 1967. He volunteered for the draft when was 23 years old and reenlisted for six additional years, serving his country in the United States Army from 1963-1972. He was a Sergeant E-5 in the 25th Signal Corp and was stationed in Goppingen, Germany from 1968-1972. He then worked for Mobil Oil from 1975 until his retirement in 2005. He was an avid golfer and bowler and bowled a sanctioned 300 game. He married Patricia Phillips on October 14, 1967. They had one son Darren Phillips. He is survived by two sons, Darren Phillips and wife Kay of Ankeny, Iowa and Ricky Phillips and wife Julie of Pueblo, Colorado. Two sisters, Marilyn Hanson and Carolyn Webb, both of Altus, Oklahoma. Two brothers, Timmy Phillips and wife Brenda of Dallas, Texas and Tommy Phillips and wife Debora of Edmond, Oklahoma. Two granddaughters, Amanda Gering and husband Dominic of Ankeny, Iowa and Joni Milligan, one grandson RJ Phillips and three great grandchildren. And his caregiver Maria Laredo. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and two brothers Travis Phillips and Andy Phillips.