Robert Roy Phillips' Obituary
Robert R. Phillips, of Decatur, IL, fell asleep peacefully in the loving arms of our Lord at 3:09 P.M. on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. Bobby’s wife, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew were at his bedside.
Services to celebrate Robert’s life will be Friday, June 30, 2023, at 12:00 P.M. with Visitation at 11:00 A.M. at the Star of Hope Mausoleum Chapel in Decatur, IL.
Rev. Dr. Ellen Moma of First Christian Church of Blue Mound will officiate with Father David Eynon of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and family friend, Rev. Dr. Aloysius Ndeanaefo of Sacred Heart in Villa Grove, IL. co-officiating. Entombment will be in Star of Hope Chapel. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church of Blue Mound, IL, or contributor’s choice of an Animal Adoption Agency or Humane Society. Online condolences, memories and contributions can be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Robert was born November 3, 1952, in Decatur, IL, the son of Wayne B. and Anne T. Phillips. He was a very dedicated husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Bobby loved his family unconditionally and lived his belief that “family always comes first.” He was always a very peaceful natured man and never spoke a harsh word of anyone. He was a defender of all. He also loved nature and animals and was a passionate and avid fisherman and Jeep “officianado.”
On October 15, 2011, Robert married his true love, Annette Frank Nolte. They fully shared the love and joy of grandchildren, family, friends, and their beloved fur children. Preceding him in death were his parents, Wayne and Anne Phillips, his brother, Thomas A. Phillips, nephew Christopher R. Phillips and grandparents, Roy (Minnie) Phillips of Phillips Dairy Farm (Decatur) and Andrew C. (Hilda) Tomaras. He is survived by his wife, Annette, stepsons, Christopher L. Nolte (Catherine) of Chicago, IL., Nicholas P. Nolte of Moline, IL, his granddaughter and grandson, Genevieve and Alexander Nolte, Chicago, and granddaughters, Ren and Elliette Nolte, of Moline, great niece and nephews, Hannah, Aiden and Liam all of Florida, his sister, Annette M. Phipps, brother-in-law, Steve Phipps, nephews, Josh Phipps and David Phillips, and niece, Tami Greene.
The family would like to extend our sincerest and most heartfelt appreciation to HSHS Home Health Care nurses, Amanda, Taylor, Lindsay and Melvin, HSHS Palliative Care Nurse, Kelsey Frost, and Synergy Home Care caregivers, Kaylynn and Jennifer. We also extend our appreciation to the HSHS St. John’s Hospital Hospice/Comfort Care team. The love, help and support you extended to Bobby was above and beyond exemplary.
Also, we would like to thank Rev. Ellen, Fr. David and Fr. Aloy for your love and pastoral care.
My Loving Husband, you will forever be in my heart and soul, until I see you again. My loving Brother, I will cherish the many times we enjoyed the song, “My Rifle, My Pony and Me,” from the movie Rio Bravo. And now, “It’s time for a cowboy to sleep.”
Obituary written by Annette E.F. Phillips and Annette M. Phipps
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