Howard Porter Phillips passed away in Victorville, California at the age of 85 on Tuesday October 15, 2019 surrounded by loved ones. Howard was born on April 22nd 1934 to the late Dan William Phillips and Hattie (Clements) Phillips in Millington, Tennessee. Howard was born the sixth of eight children including James (deceased), Louis ((L.J.) deceased), Doris, Gracie, Catherine (deceased), Clister (deceased), and Louise (deceased). He grew up on a farm and was a member of the Methodist Church in Millington, Tennessee.
Howard enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17. He served from 1952 to 1955. During that time, he served during the Korean war as a combat medic. His service medals and awards include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service award, UN Korean Service award, Korean Presidential Unit award, and the Army Presidential Unit Citation award. He was honorably discharged upon completion of his service.
In 1957, he and his family relocated from Tennessee to San Pedro, California. At that time, he was married to Betty Ruth (Jefferson) Phillips from that union came five children.
Howard was employed at various jobs including truck driving, janitorial service, and the bakery before getting hired in 1974 at Harper Art Graphics in Fountain Valley, California where he was employed for 25 years before retiring to Bullhead City, Arizona. Until realizing he wasn't ready to retire and began working at Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino where he continued his career in the graphics dept. for 17 years until his final retirement at the age of 83.
Howard later remarried with Jonah Faith Blade-Phillips of Memphis, Tennessee with whom he was married to for 27 years until his death. Howard is survived by his wife and his six children, Laverne Phillips, Carla Taylor, Paulette Shamp, Janice Phillips, Jeffrey Phillips and Charles Benson (step son); his sisters, Doris Phillips-Banks and Gracie Lee Phillips-Murray; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Marcus Phillips.
The possession of family and friends is a precious gift from God. Please know we are graciously appreciative for your outpouring of love, flowers, support, prayers and services rendered during this difficult time in our lives. Your kindness has been a wonderful blessing and well received. Everything you said and did was received with love. Please continue to lift us up in prayer and may God continue to bless you with HIs goodness, grace and unconditional love
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