Eugene Teddy Phillips

May 13, 1944--Jan. 3, 2011

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Eugene Teddy Phillips, 66, passed away Monday (Jan. 3, 2011), at his home in McCook after a long battle with a brain stem aneurysm.

Gene was born on May 13, 1944, in Ogden, Utah to Ellsworth and Sadie Mae (Place) Philips. He graduated from Carlin High School in Carlin, Nevada in 1962.

He was united in marriage to Sandy White. From this union they had three children, Shawn, Richard and Sherry. During this time, Gene worked in the gold mines for Duval Corporation and Cortez Gold Mines as a truck driver, engineer and first responder. He later married Catherine Lehmann who was affected with multiple sclerosis. He loved and cared for Catherine and his stepdaughter, Kimberly until Catherine's death in 2002.

Gene also worked for the railroad for a short time, ran a machine shop and retired from 40 years of service with the mines in Nevada. In 2004, Gene relocated to McCook to spend time with family and was a self-employed carpenter.

Gene was well received in the community, as he was always willing to help his friends and neighbors with projects that they needed his advice and expertise.

Some of Gene's interests included fishing, hunting, painting and drawing. His love of wildlife inspired many of his paintings and drawings. Gene was also a member of the Eagles club and enjoyed calling bingo and visiting with the other members of the club.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ellsworth and Sadie Mae Philips; his wife Catherine; and one brother, Neal Philips.

Survivors include his children, Shawn Phillips and wife, Vicky of Elko, Nevada, Richard Phillips of Elko, Sherry Marie Bobber of Pine Valley, Nevada and Kimberly and husband, James Bratten of Vacaville, California; brother, Chester Phillips of Kimberlee, Idaho; sister, Nancy Hussey of Carlin, Nevada; five grandchildren; and special friend and loving life companion, Marilynn Jezek of McCook.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Friends may send condolences to the family at 1313 E. A. Street, McCook, NE 69001.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.