Benny Phillips

(From Parker Mortuary)

Rev. Benny Leonard Phillips, age 89 of Joplin, Missouri, entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 surrounded by family. Benny was born December 4, 1935 in Dennis, Kansas to the late Leonard and Lydia (Blevins) Phillips.

Benny grew up in Southeast Kansas and graduated from Labette County High School. He later attended Parsons Junior College before starting his long-time career with the United States Postal Service. Benny worked as a clerk and later as a supervisor in Olathe, Kansas for 23 years before moving to Jasper, Missouri where he became the Postmaster for 13 years.

Benny was known for his faith in Christ. He held certification through the Assemblies of God, ministering and serving on deacon boards throughout the Missouri and Kansas area. Benny was a long-standing member of Faith Assembly of God in Joplin.

Benny enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting, fishing, camping and more with his family. He was an avid “do-it-yourselfer”. Often, Benny and Shirley would take trips to enjoy scenic drives to just get out of town. He could be found volunteering as an Election Judge for both Jasper and Newton counties during many elections.

Benny married Shirley Yeubanks on January 22, 1956 in Cherryvale, Kansas, she survives of the home. Additional survivors include a son, Kevin Phillips (Kathy) of Lenexa, Kansas; daughters, Shirlene Osburn (Scott) of Joplin, Patti Zahn of Takoma Park, Maryland; daughter in-law, Darla Phillips of Kansas City, Kansas; sisters, Sharon Limes of West Jordan, Utah, Charlotte Houck (Larry) of Wichita, Kansas and Anita Hibbs (John) of Altamont, Kansas; brother, Allen Phillips (Elaine) of Altamont, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Chelsey Gartner (Gage), Morgan Osburn, Jason Phillips, Heather Gravatt (Ronnie Pursley, Jr), Megan Roark, Amanda Plymire (Derek), Allison San Juan (Steve), Matthew Spann (Laura) and Zach Zahn; 15 great grandchildren, Ashlee (Chris Moeller), Austin, Jacy, Kaiden, Skyler, Seth, Emery, Kaison, Zailey, Lane, Lacey; great-great grandchildren, Braylee, Braxton, Brayton and Blayklee; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Other than his parents, Benny is preceded in death by a son, Gaylen Phillips and a brother, Barry Phillips.

Funeral services are planned for Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Assembly of God Church in Joplin, Missouri with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. up to service time. The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Ralph, officiating. Burial will take place following the service at 2:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dennis, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Faith Assembly of God Mission’s Program in care of the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.