Paul E. Phillips

Paul Elston Phillips, age 82, of Rock, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 23, 1939 in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of Louis D. and Alma (Boone) Phillips. Paul grew up in Sand Lake, MI and was a graduate of Cedar Springs High School in 1957. Upon graduation, Paul worked in the woods in the Sand Lake area and later in the construction industry. Paul relocated to Rock, MI in 1967 and began his working career with Cleveland Cliffs as a heavy machine operator until his retirement in 1997. After retirement, Paul worked as a maintenance man for a few years for Terry Kanerva Logging. He loved visiting with people and especially loved spending time with his family. Paul enjoyed everything about the outdoors – especially hunting, fishing, trapping, and operating his own portable saw mill. He also loved to spend his summers in Batchawana Bay, Ontario, Canada. Paul married the former Virginia “Kaye” Bradly in 1957 and she preceded him in death in 1995. He married his second wife, Esther L. Johnson in 1996 and she also preceded him in death in 2006. Paul married Helen Brisbois in 2007 and she preceded him in death in 2020.

Paul E. Phillips is survived by his children, Christine (Mark) Matejovitcz of Howard City, MI, John (Dawn) Phillips of Clintonville, WI, Ron (Charlene) Phillips of Powers, MI, Sheri (Bob) Kordus of Dunbar, WI, and Susan (Cameron) Delaney of Cornell, MI; 9 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Dale (Ann) Phillips of TX, Curt (Lois) Phillips of Lower Michigan, and Dean (Kevin) Phillips of Lower Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and three wives, Paul was preceded in death by his son, Gary Phillips; grandson, John Phillips; and sister, Marguerite.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Paul will follow at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, with Vicar Melissa Salminen of Faith Lutheran Church in Rock officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the Anderson Funeral Home reception room. Burial will take place in the Rock Cemetery. 

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