Earl Thomas Phillips

Earl Thomas Phillips

Nov. 9, 1922 - June 1, 2012

LONGMONT, Colorado -- Earl Thomas Phillips, age 89 of Longmont, Colorado, died at his home on June 1, 2012.

He was born to William Murray and Isabel Morgan Phillips in rural Frontier County, Nebraska, He was the third of six children. Earl received his high school diploma from Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis, Nebraska. Upon graduation in 1940, he went to work on his uncle's ranch near Cheyenne, Wyoming, (Earl often talked fondly of these days) before returning to take over the family farm in Nebraska. Earl married Elma Irene Teter on Dec. 23, 1942. They farmed near Cambridge, Nebraska, until 1963 when the family moved to Longmont. In Longmont, Earl worked in the home building industry before starting his own remodeling business in 1976, from which he never really retired. Earl was always ready to lend a hand wherever it was needed. He was either remodeling or repairing something for someone, helping his kids and grandkids.

Earl and Elma loved spending time at their mountain cabin, extensive travelling around the U.S. (including four trips to Alaska, their favorite vacation spot), a trip to London, England, and a cruise through the Panama Canal.

Earl had a passion for the Masonic Lodge which he joined in 1944, and was a member until his death. He was a Past Grand Master of the York Rite in Shrine, Past High Priest of the Royal Arch, and Past Commander of Knights Templer. He and Elma were also 50-year members of the Order of Eastern Star, where they had served as Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron.

Earl never met a stranger and could spend hours telling stories, whether it was about himself or friends; he never lacked subject matter.

He is survived by sons, Gerry Phillips and wife, Gloria of Louisville, Colorado, John and wife, Jerilyn, of Littleton, Colorado, Scott and wife, Sondra, of Longmont and daughter, Phyllis and husband, John Bruce of Johnstown, Colorado, and daughter-in-law, Carol Phillips of Longmont. He has nine grandchildren, Holly (Phillips) Slater and husband, Nick, of Parkston, South Dakota, Andrew Phillips of Longmont, Todd Phillips of Louisville, Chris Phillips of West Hartford, Connecticut, Leilani Borstead and husband, Brett, of Littleton, Jennifer Bruce of Cheyenne, Robert Bruce of Milliken, Colorado, Ivan Phillips of Loveland, and Adam Phillips of Longmont. He has five great grandchildren, Pennelope Slater of Parkston South Dakota, Sophia and Matthew Phillips of West Hartford, and Rylei Bruce of Cheyenne, Alana and Bjorn Borstad of Littleton. He has one sister, Lulu Mae Carney, of LaGrange, Indiana.

His wife, Elma, and one son, William Phillips, brother, Walter Phillips, sisters, Ruby Johnston and Shirley Thompson preceded him in death.

Loving husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle Earl, Earl was loved by all and will be greatly missed!

Visitation 5-7 p.m. Wednesday June 6, 2012, at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel with family present to greet friends. Funeral service 10 a.m., Thursday, June 7, 2012, at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Interment Foothills Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Heart Association in c/o Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Visit to share condolences.

Ahlberg Funeral Chapel in Longmont is in charge of arrangements.