North Powder, Oregon
Francis E. Phillips, 81, of North Powder died Aug. 31 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of life was held at the grange hall in North Powder. His cremated remains will be scattered at Keating Bluff at 4 p.m. today Sept. 5.
Mr. Phillips was born April 14, 1925, to Bahleum Alanzo and Ruth Fern Black Phillips in Stroud, Okla. The family moved to a farm outside of Baker City in 1934. He served in the Navy during World War II, and on March 7, 1948, married Dorothy M. Calloway in Baker City. He worked on ranches for 17 years and as a meat cutter. He drove a delivery truck for Eastern Oregon Meat and Sweets Valley Sausage. He worked at livestock sale yards in La Grande, Baker City and Walla Walla.
He served on the North Powder City Council and helped with car shows by setting up the poker run. He was an avid supporter of school athletics, assisted at the food bank and volunteered on city clean-up days. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and being outdoors. He was an excellent dancer, and it is said anyone could follow his lead. His family enjoyed hearing his stories about his childhood, his military adventures and shenanigans.
Survivors include his wife of North Powder; daughters, Marjorie Miller, Gloria Bailey, Shirley Rogers and Patty Phillips; two sons-in-law; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Two brothers, Floyd and Claude Phillips, died earlier. One sister and two brothers died in infancy.
The Observer Online, Obituaries for the week ending Sept. 9, 2006, Published: September 7, 2006