Clifford C. "Pappy" Phillips

Clifford C. (Pappy) Phillips, 91, passed August 1, 2023, in his sleep. He was born on 12/9/31, in Russell, Iowa to Charles and Josephine (Schrum) Phillips. In 3rd grade, his family moved to Chariton, Iowa, where he lived for most of his life. Eight years ago, he moved to Knoxville, Iowa, living with his daughter Mary. He was extremely grateful as this enabled him to live independently until the end.

Pappy graduated from Chariton High School in 1951. He served as a combat Army veteran in Korea. He retired from the VA Hospital, in Knoxville, as a mason in 1991. Thirty-two years of collecting his VA pension was of great satisfaction. 

From boyhood to adulthood, sports were a part of his life: football, basketball, track, baseball, softball, and golf. He was proud to have quarterbacked the undefeated 1949 Chariton High football team. He played fast pitch softball as a kid and adult with his brother Rex. He coached Babe Ruth baseball and umpired Little League and Senior League baseball over 10 years. Pappy loved to fish, play cribbage, slot machines, and bet the horses. 

He is survived by his children: Tom (Cindy), Mary Allen, Paula (Joel) Ryan, Laurie (Guy) Saunders, and Clayel (Lori); grandchildren: Charley (Kelly) Phillips, Troy (Rachel) Phillips, Katherine Hilliard, Emily (Luke) Gardner, Jessica (Corey) Johnson, Joe (Sarah) Wisniewski, Audra Saunders, Clint Saunders, Ben (Johanna) Phillips, and Ashley (Lucas) Phillips; great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; mother of his children, Bobbie; sister, Linda Hobbs; and sister-in-law, Barbara Phillips; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Josephine; grandparents, Ben and Mary Phillips and Aden and Henrietta Schrum; wife, Frances Rodgers Phillips; sisters, Corliss (Walter) Amos and Helen (Jack) Crouch; brothers, Rex and Ben; sons-in-law, Charles Hilliard and John Allen; brother-in-law, Dick Hobbs; special friend, Martha Roberts McCollum; as well as some nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, no service will be held. Memorials may be given in his name to the Knoxville, Iowa VFW Post 3519 at 413 S. Lincoln St., Knoxville, Iowa 50138, of which he was a lifetime member.