John R. Phillips Jr., 85, died Jan. 23, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Center, Hutchinson. He was born Dec. 21, 1923, in Quitaque, Texas, to John R. Sr. and Ivy Cady Phillips.

He was a journeyman lineman for the Line Construction Company in South Hutchinson for many years.

He was a 50 year member of IBEW Union. He served in the United States Army in the South Pacific during World War II. He received the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.

On July 28, 1951, he married Mary Hirl in Princeton, Iowa. She died Dec. 30, 2000. Survivors include: two sons, Jim and wife Ann, Great Bend, and John Phillips, III, Wichita; three daughters, Jeannie Prebble, Inman, Mary Duncan and husband Tony, Hutchinson, and Debbie Miller and husband Randy, Haven; a sister, Ruby Yatso and husband Steve, Las Vegas; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, four brothers, Lester, Floyd, Everett and Billy, and a sister, Ruth Yatso.

Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009, in Partridge Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Kim Biery presiding, with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Memorials may be sent to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of the mortuary. Please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal condolences for the family.