C. Lee Phillips

Clarence Lee (Colonel) Phillips, 95, of Coatsburg, IL, passed away at 10:27 a.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Born February 25, 1930, in Bowen, IL, Lee was the son of Clarence and Enid Powell Phillips. He married Doris Marie Anderson on September 11, 1954, and she preceded him in death on June 1, 1993.

Although he never learned to swim, Lee enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Comstock (LSD-19) from 1947 until 1950. Throughout his life, he worked in many roles, including at Motorola, Paloma FS, Quincy Paper Box, and Knapheide Manufacturing. In retirement, he enjoyed hauling livestock for the Coatsburg Sale Barn and serving as an auctioneer, a role he held from 1973 until 1993.

Lee loved his westerns, Tuesday spaghetti days, Thursday pizza nights, and family dinners every Saturday. Each December, he could be found delivering his homemade fudge and peanut brittle to family and friends.

Survivors include his sons, Mike Phillips of Bowen, IL, Bob Phillips of Everest, KS, and Bill Phillips (Dana) of Coatsburg; his grandchildren, Beth (Jim) McMillen, Leanne (John) DeMoss, Sara Phillips, Cassie Phillips, and Hunter Phillips; his great-grandchildren, Erin, Mathew, and Abbey McMillen, and Jensen and Kinley DeMoss; his great-great-grandchildren, Arlo, Alahni, and one expected in October. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as many special friends who were like family and cherished his visits and phone calls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers, Don, George, and Lawrence Phillips; four sisters, Marge Wood, Alice Barnes, Doris Hemphill, and Darlene Myers; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Coatsburg, with Pastor Patricia Reep officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Graymount Cemetery, Coatsburg. The family requests that you honor Lee by wearing casual attire

Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Graymount Cemetery and/or Central Adams Fire Protection District.

Online condolences may be left at www.hamiltonfuneralhomes.net.

The Lummis-Hamilton Funeral Home in Camp Point is handling the arrangements.