Robert E. Phillips

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Robert E. Phillips, 85, of Galatia, formerly of Stonefort, passed away at 11:25 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19 2009, at the Harrisburg Medical Center.

He was born May 11, 1923 in Bernie, Mo., to Ira and Lillie Belle (Mitchell) Phillips. He was married to Levia Mae (Martin) Phillips on July 10, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo., and she preceded him in death.

He worked as a machinist at Boeing in St. Louis, Mo. He attended the Stonefort Community Church and later in life attended Providence Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Carrier Mills. His love of music was always apparent in his talent as an accomplished guitarist. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and shared that passion through his love for people, life and his music.

He is survived by one son, Bobby (Mary) Phillips of Benton, two daughters, Linda (Sylvester) Bush of Galatia and Sandra (Dick) Brooks of Galatia; seven grandchildren, Patty (Russell) Edwards of Harrisburg, Angel (Kenneth) Milligan of Galatia, Laura (William) Cockran of Carrier Mills, Suzanne (Matthew) Mitchell of Galatia, Tammy (Tracy) Tanner of Harrisburg, Brian Bush of Galatia, Jonathan (Abra) Field of Benton and granddaughter-in-law, Brandi Stewart of Benton; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Lucille Hauser, Joann Jett and Carol Phillips; three brothers, Edward, Richard and Herchel Phillips, all of Poplar Bluff, Mo.

He was preceded in death by parents; spouse; two daughters, Joyce and Janet Phillips; one grandson, James Stewart; and one brother, Alvin Phillips.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, at the Sloan Funeral Home in Galatia with the Rev. Kevin Peyton officiating. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills. Memorials may be made to Mid-America Transplant Services and left at the funeral home.