l years together, living in many locations throughout the U.S. and the world, including Colorado Springs and three exciting, adventurous years in Germany. Fred retired from the Air Force in 1979, as a colonel after a distinguished 28-year career which included a tour of duty in Korea during the Korean War and assignments in the Pentagon. In 1979, Fred was awarded the highly-prestigious Legion of Merit in honor of his exemplary service in defense of our nation. After retirement from the Air Force, Fred continued his professional career as an executive with Unisys Corp., living in Plymouth, Michigan, and Great Falls, Virginia. He was a well-respected leader and regular member of the Chairman's Club throughout his 13 years of service. Tired of navigating the Beltway and numerous airports, in 1992, he retired and moved to his beloved state of Colorado. Fred was amazingly active throughout his retirement with a variety of hobbies (golf, fishing, travel) and involvement with numerous philanthropic and service organizations. He was an active, enthusiastic member of both Kiwanis and Sertoma, and regularly cheered on the Fighting Falcons of the U.S. Air Force Academy as a member of the Blue and Silver Club. Fred enjoyed the "Old West" and as a youth had attended camp and learned to hunt in Montana. His favorite hobby, however, was definitely playing golf, and he did it quite well -- maintaining a U.S. Golf Association handicap index of 18 at age 81! His real love of the game, however, was the camaraderie and fellowship he experienced with his many golfing buddies. Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Pat Phillips; five children: Kristy McNeil and husband, Roger, of Iron Mountain, Michigan, Sally Hazlett and husband, Sam, of Monument, Colorado, Fred Phillips Jr. and wife, Martha, of Sunnyvale, Texas, Ann Keller and husband, Rod, of Orina, California, and Paul Phillips and wife, Leslie, of Lake Orion, Michigan; eight grandchildren, Ben McNeil, Beth McNeil, Scott Hazlett and wife, Sarah, Kristen Hazlett, Gillian Keller, Trey Phillips, Rick Phillips, Wesley Phillips; one great-granddaughter, Eleanor Hazlett; his loving sisters, Suzanne Hirsch and husband, Herb, of Largo, Florida, and Martha Whitmore and husband, Jim, of Evergreen, Colorado.
Ralph J Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home
Muscatine, IA 52761
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