Russ Phillips

(From Houser-Millard Funeral Home)

Dr. Russell Allan "Russ" Phillips, went home to be with his Savior at 8:00 P.M. on February 27, 2025 at Primrose Retirement Community, in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he lived. He was 90 years old and had been battling cancer for some time.

Russell was born on February 19, 1935, in Lakewood, Ohio, to Virgil Harry and Violet Julia Marie (Wiles) Phillips. Growing up he worked at the restaurant his mother owned, called Vi and Sons. 

After graduating High School, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1953 and served until 1957, having achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. While stationed in Des Moines, Iowa in 1955 he met the love of his life. He attended a dance at the YWCA and danced with Myra Eljean Trende. They were married a year later on October 14, 1956, in Buckeye, Iowa.

After leaving the Air Force, Russ attended college, graduating from Iowa State University with a PhD in Physics. In 1970, they moved to Joplin, Missouri where he became a Professor at Missouri Southern State College, now Missouri Southern State University. He taught for 30 years, retiring in 2000. All three of his children had the pleasure of taking classes from him and all became Engineers.

Russ and Myra have three children that survive, Kathryn Ann (Dennis) Harvey Jefferson City, MO, Gregory Alan (Kathy) Phillips Lamar, MO, Jeffrey Russell (Rhoda) Phillips Columbia, MO. They have nine grandchildren. Christopher (Michelle) Johnson and their daughter Olivia Johnson, stepsons Landon Camp and Jayden Camp Lancaster, Ohio, Nash Harvey and fiancé Emma Kansas City, MO, Chloe Phillips, Benjamin (Jessi) Phillps and their children Hunter, Grace, Sadie, and Eve Lamar, MO, Zachary (Mary) Phillips and their daughter Molly West Point, MS, Russell Phillips Columbia, MO, Josie (Nathan) Petersen Springfield, MO, and Kimberly (Zach) Downs Carterville, MO. He also has a sister Barbara (Dick) Kampfen Lubbock, TX and many nieces and nephews that survive. 

Preceding him in death, were his parents Virgil and Violet Phillips, his brothers Ralph Phillips and Buell Phillips.

Russ loved to spend time with his family and fishing. All his children have fond memories of going on fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada. Russ was also very skilled at woodworking and most of his kids and grandkids have something that he made.

In his later days he enjoyed talking about his Savior, Jesus Christ. His concern was for all that know him or read this obituary to understand that Jesus alone can wash away all your sins. Simply believe in Jesus and trust him to save you. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Russell's honor to: Live Global, P.O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 17105 and please include Phillips 0171391 in notes or online at www.liveglobal.org/phillips.

The visitation and funeral will be at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home in Jefferson City, Missouri. The visitation is at 10:30 AM, followed by the funeral at 11:30 A.M. on March 5, 2025. There will be a grave side service at Buckey Cemetery, in Buckeye, Iowa on March 6, 2025, at 12:00 P.M.(Noon).

Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com