Burl Phelps' Obituary
Burl Phelps, 88, of Decatur, passed away Monday, February 23, 2015 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
Graveside services to celebrate Burl’s life will be 10 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Graceland Cemetery. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.
Burl was born December 19, 1926, in Beardstown, Illinois, to Elmer and Henrietta (Kessler) Phelps . Burl is a WWII veteran and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Burl retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company with thirty-five years of service. He married Carrol Mitchell on February 10, 1978 in Beardstown, Illinois. They shared thirty-seven wonderful years together. He was a member of the Decatur American Legion, Decatur Moose, and the Decatur Elks. He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, bowling, duck hunting, and was an avid Cubs fan.
He is survived by his wife, Carrol Phelps of Decatur, son, Douglas (Nancy Ellis) Phelps of Palm Coast, FL; stepson, John (Cindi) Higgins of Decatur, IL; daughter, Deborah (Stephen) Staley of Ft. Myers, FL; stepdaughters Jill Unger of St. Louis, MO, Julie (Jerald) Ward of Rowlett, TX; twelve grandchildren, nine-teen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Phelps, sister Betty Carter, and great-grandson Logan Staley.
The family of Burl Phelps is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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