Edward P. Phillips, Sr.

He was born on September 27, 1943, in Springfield, the son of William “Bill” and Ruth (Birdsell) Phillips. Edward married Sharon Sargent on April 3, 1965, in Springfield. She preceded him in death, on January 12, 2021.

Ed proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and National Guard, where he was honored to be in charge of ammunitions at Camp Lincoln. He went on to work as a laborer at Weaver & Fiat Allis, and later as the “whistling custodian” for School District 186’s Southeast High School. Ed enjoyed spending time with his family, dancing with his best friends, old western country music, and during his younger years, he was an impressive yodeler. He was a generous, kind-hearted man who “didn’t want to be a bother”. Ed was also known for making the best deviled eggs for family gatherings.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Edward Phillips, Jr.; sister, Ruth “Peaches” Phillips; brother, Bill Phillips; sisters-in-law, Connie Harden, Joann Rowden, and Joyce Sargent; brother-in-law, Charles Rowden; and close friend, Jack Cummings.

Ed is survived by his daughter-in-law, Nancy Phillips of Pawnee, IL; grandchildren, Stephanie (Joshua) Stewart of Virden, Kirsten Kuykendall of Springfield, and Sabra Kuykendall of Chicago; great-grandchild, Jackson Stewart; sister, Judy Smith of Kilbourne, IL; sisters-in-law, Judy Brest and Mary Phillips, both of Springfield; brother-in-law, Larry Harden of Springfield; special cousin, Fred (Janice) Cawley; close friend, Cheryl “Red” Cummings; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Ceremony: 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Graveside Ceremony: 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with military honors by Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.