Hugh C. Phipps' Obituary
Hugh C. Phipps, Jr., 93, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2014.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2014 at First United Methodist Church, 201 W. North Street, Decatur, IL, with Rev. Miley Palmer officiating. The family will greet you immediately after the service. Memorials in memory of Hugh may be made to First United Methodist Church Latecomers Class, 201 W. North Street, Decatur, IL, 62522.
Hugh was born at home June 18, 1921, the son of Hugh C. Phipps and Mary Pinnell Phipps in Ashmore, IL.
Hugh served in the Navy during WWII and married Charlotte Jack on January 21, 1944 in Charleston. They celebrated 70 years of marriage.
Hugh is survived by his wife, one daughter, Faye Hayes and husband Doug Hayes, and the apple of his eye, grandson Zachary D. Hayes, all of Decatur. He leaves nieces Sue Dunifer (Mike) of Charleston, IL, Cindy Phipps Graber (Al) of Fair Oaks, CA, Linda Phillips of Macon, MO, Judy David of Rockville, MD, and Tracie Jack Trubey (Jeff) of San Leandro, CA, nephews, John Phipps (Marlene) of Oceanside, CA, Rick Jack (Mary) of Mokena, IL, and Jack Rau of Quitman, TX.
Also surviving are brother and sister in laws Richard and Peggy Jack of Charleston, IL, sister in law Sally (James) Phipps, of Greenup, IL and a host of great-nieces and nephews.
Hugh’s parents, sister Mary (Max) Moody and brothers, James (Virginia) and Harry (Fran) preceded him in death. Also preceding were sisters and brother in laws Martha and Robert Hobbs, Robert and Ruth Jack, Dorothy and Eugene Rau.
Hugh was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where he taught the Latecomers Class and served on the MAXX Committee.
Most of Hugh’s career was spent in Education and Coaching. Most recently, he taught at MacArthur High School in Decatur (English) and coached their golf team. He touched many lives in all he did. He was a member of The Great Books Club.
Hugh always loved sports, but especially fishing and playing golf. He was an avid Cubs fan.
A calm and fairly quiet man, Hugh could get his point across eloquently, but with very few words. His daughter knew that when he said “no,” he meant it. He loved with all his heart and kept all promises.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Totel and everyone at Primrose, all CNA’s at McKinley Court, and Leslie Strohl.
The family of Hugh C. Phipps, Jr., is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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