Gene Phillips

Gene E. Phillips, age 83, of Clovis passed away August 21, 2015, at the Senior Citizen's Resident Center.

He was born on June 28, 1932 in Chilton, Wisconsin to Arthur Ervin and Violet Melissa Phillips. He had one sister, Bernice Carlson.

He went into the Army in 1949 and later joined the Air Force. During his military service, he fought in the Korean Conflict. He worked for Civil Service driving a truck and heavy equipment for 40 years. He was awarded many awards for his outstanding work. He taught himself how to play the accordion, and he could play almost anything, but his favorite music was polka music. He could and did listen to polka music for hours. He was a member of the Kitchen Band. He made some of his instruments when he first started with the band. Then he graduated to playing the accordion. The band won several awards from playing in various places and won awards from being in the Clovis, NM parades. Gene was baptized March 19, 2002 in the W. 21st Church of Christ. He was a person who loved everyone and did not speak ill of anyone. He loved to hug people and even gave out free hug cards, which entitled the person receiving the card a hug. He was loved by many and he will leave an empty spot in many lives. He very seldom got upset about anything, but one thing did upset him and that was when he was too weak or sick to drive his Cadillac. Gene got married and had two sons, Jim and Jay, and one daughter, Joy.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Violet Phillips, a son Jay W. Phillips, his wives: June, Irene and Nita Phillips, brother-in-law, Eddie Carlson, one step-granddaughter, Celest Viddler, one step-great granddaughter Allissa May and one step-great grandson Christopher.

He is survived by a son Jim Phillips of Clovis, NM a daughter Joy of Poolville, Texas, sister Bernice Carlson of Wisconsin, two step-daughters Alice Bennett of Clovis, NM, Betty Lou Viddler Key Stone, FL, one step-son Fred (Shirley) Chandler of Silver City, NM, two caregivers which Gene called his favorite nephew and niece Don and Peggy Cross of Clovis, NM, a fiance Nadine Hardisty of Clovis, NM, many other nephews and nieces, six grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, and step-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Gene will be held at Steed Todd's Chapel, Wednesday August 26, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. with Ortho Rogers officiating.

Pallbearers will be Bret Cross, Kelly Tindle, Jim Phillips, Kordell Tindle, Mary Rueland, and Honel Cross. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of the staff and workers at Senior Citizen's Resident Centers, Presbyterian Hospice, Dr. Shreresta at Clovis Hospital, and a special neice, Shelly Martin who works at the Center.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Steed-Todd Funeral Home and Crematory, 800 E Manana Blvd, Clovis, New Mexico (575) 763-5541.

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