Harry E. Phillips Sr.

PEKIN- Harry E. Phillips Sr., 83 of Pekin, passed away at 6:20AM, Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Pekin Manor. He was born August 9, 1931 in Peoria to Wilbur M. and Mae O. (Eveland) Phillips, and was raised by his mother and stepfather, William Brandt. He married Rose W. Walzhauer in Peoria; she preceded him in death in March of 1996. Harry was also preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy Jean Phillips and Betty Ann Ennis; brother, Wilbur Dean Phillips; daughter, Mary Ellen Neal; and stepson, Bill Swearinger. Harry married Donna Swearinger on July 26, 1997 in Peoria. She survives. Also surviving is his daughter, Sherry (David) Olson of Washington; three sons, Carl (Margaret) Phillips of Creve Coeur, Harry Phillips Jr. of Peoria, Larry (Donna) Phillips of Peoria, and stepson, John (Leslie) Swearinger of Washington; eighteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. He proundly served in the United States Air Force with the 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group stationed in England and various parts of Europe. He later became a private pilot and flew with the Bradley Flying Club at the Peoria Airport. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Peoria and an associate member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in McAllen, TX. He worked at CILCO for 27 years, retiring in 1987. Afterwards, Harry worked in sales for the Peoria Rivermen for 2 seasons when they won the Turner Cup and the Pro Hockey Record of winning 18 straight games. He later worked for the Peoria Park District at Sommer Park as a mule driver. He then worked as a bailiff at the Peoria County Courthouse for 5 years. When he retired for good, he spent his time doing woodworking and stained glass. He won many medals and ribbons in the Senior Olympics, Heart of Illinois Fair, and the Illinois State Fair. He was a member of the Masons, Scottish Rite, and Shriners. For 15 years, Harry and Donna spent their winters in Pharr, TX. A funeral service for Harry will be held at 10:00AM, Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00PM, Monday, December 22, 2014 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria, and a half hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday. Interment will be at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Harry E. Phillips Sr.

August 9, 1931 - December 20, 2014