John D. Phillips

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John D. Phillips, 80, of Marion, IL on February 20, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center.

The youngest of 5 children, John was born in Carterville, IL late in the lives of his parents Orpha & Vivian Taylor Phillips on May 1, 1945.

He wed the love of his life, Sheila Crouch, on October 29, 1963. Together they shared over 62 years of love, joy, & faithful service to their community & church. John was honored to attain the title of 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.

John retired as a master electrician, having spent several years at the local Amax (Delta) Coal Mine.

His hobbies after retirement included farming, mowing, & vintage car repair, all on YouTube. He enjoyed reminiscing with old friends & sharing his adventure stories with family. He was looking forward to becoming a great grandpa in June.

We will miss his presence, tales, & advice. We are secure in knowing that our days are numbered & ordered before we are even born (Psalm 139:16). We will not leave this earth a day sooner or later than God intends. John was prepared for whenever that day came.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, daughter-in-law Varsha (Bryan) Phillips, & many cherished friends.

“Big John” will live on in the hearts of his wife Sheila, sons John “Little John” (Carol) Phillips of Congerville, IL & Bryan Phillips of Marion, IL. Grandchildren Joshua Phillips, Danvers, IL; Jennifer (Tim) Yost, Nashville, TN; Jacob Phillips, Tulsa, OK; Boone & Bodhi Phillips, Marion, IL.

Funeral Services have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross.

Visitation to be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 am - 11 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church located at 600 N. Russell Street Marion. Funeral mass will begin at 11 am followed by inurnment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Knights of Columbus.