Samuel L. Phillips, age 78, of St. Francisville, Illinois, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2015, at his residence. He was born January 23, 1937, in Lawrence County, Illinois, the son of Kenneth and Jeanette (Murray) Phillips. He married Donna Weiss on February 14, 1977, and she survives.
Sam worked at AMF in Olney for 20 years. He was a boilermaker. Sam was a veteran of the United States Navy. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and horseback riding. He was a member of Tri-County Saddle Club where he served as a board member.
Preceding Sam in death were his parents, one brother Ralph Phillips, and one grandson Derek Morgan.
Survivors include his wife, Donna, of St. Francisville, Illinois; a son Rickie (JoAnn) Brinkman of St. Francisville, Illinois; five daughters, Debi Brown of Florida; Sheri (Jeff) Lafferty of Grand Bay, Alabama, Reatha (Mike) Cole of Otisco, Indiana, Rhonda (Ricky) Waggoner of Sumner, Illinois, and Robin (Clarence) Michl of Oblong, Illinois; one brother, Ernest Irvin (Barb) Phillips of St. Francisville, Illinois; a sister, Doris J. (Ralph) Dye of Warrensburg, Missouri; 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Sam’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be no formal services. However, the family will be gathering for a private service. In memory of Sam, memorial donations may be given to Tri-State Saddle Club. Friends and family will cherish Sam’s memories for many years, always remembering his famous line “Cowgirl up and ride on, you little dickweeds!”