Lowell Phillips. age 73 of Oakland, IA, formerly of Carson, IA, passed away on November 28, 2008 at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, IA.
Lowell Kay Phillips, one of eight children of Lorna Irene (Nelson) Phillips and Clifton Lowell Phillips, was born on September 11, 1935 at his parent's farm home near Carson, Iowa. He grew up in the Carson area and drove a school bus during high school. Lowell graduated from Carson High School in 1954.
Lowell and Shirley Lee Dreyer were married on September 17, 1954 at the Carson United Methodist Church. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters, Cherri Lynn, Colleen Kaye, and Candace Lee. Lowell farmed for Marion Carley, later worked for Brockman Brothers Co-op gas station and eventually was an over-the-road truck driver. In 1967, he began working for the Pottawattamie County Road Department and retired after 31 years in March of 1998. That same year, two months later in May, Lowell suffered a heart attack.
During his working life, Lowell enjoyed farming his mother's family farm south of Carson, operating a bulldozer and working cattle with John Buckingham, driving a shuttle bus part-time at Bluffs Run and Harrah's Casinos. His friends could always count on him to plow their gardens. Lowell was a member of the Carson Volunteer Fire Department and was on the water fight team for Carson. He had served on the Carson City Council and also as Mayor. He was on the Carson Park Board and also enjoyed helping with the Carson Rodeo. His greatest love was being with his grandchildren and family.
Lowell and Shirley had been married 54 years when he passed away at the Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa on November 28, 2008. He had attained the age of 73 years, 2 months, and 17 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Lila Jean Phillips; and brother Dean Phillips.
Lowell is survived by his wife, Shirley Phillips of Oakland; daughters, Cherri Phillips of Council Bluffs, Colleen Richards and husband Michael of Griswold, IA, Candace Knop and husband Mark of Henderson, IA; brothers Eldon Phillips and wife Shirley of Omaha, NE, Merle Phillips and wife Beverly of Atlantic, IA, Darrell Phillips of Elkhorn, NE; sisters, Alice Phillips of Mason City, IA and Ilene Phillips of Carson; four grandchildren, Marty Richards of Red Oak, IA, Kelli Docker and husband Kyle of Ft. Stewart, GA, Joshua Knop and wife Shonda of Fremont, NE, and Jerrica Knop of Council Bluffs; three great grandchildren, Kaden Docker, Kaleb Docker, and Jacoby Knop; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
A Memorial fund has been established.
Interment in Wheeler Grove Cemetery.
Tributes
Rich and Jean Knapp wrote on Dec 23, 2008:
"Rich and I am truly sorry to hear about Lowell.
We enjoyed the both of you coming into eat. I was always tickled that I was the only one that could get his hamburger cooked right, even though I didn't like fixing it that way.
Shirley, Our Sympathy goes out to you and your family."
Katie Phillips wrote on Dec 4, 2008:
"hi everyone. i'm sorry to hear about Uncle Lowell. I'm sorry we couldn't make it up to the funeral, but all of you are in our thoughts! Love you all! Sincerely, Katie (Dean's youngest daughter)"
Jill Stephens wrote on Dec 1, 2008:
"Shirley and Family, I was so sadden to hear of the loss of Lowell. I remember when we were neighbors and how much he enjoyed our little kids and how much they enjoyed him. Keep the memories in your heart and he will always be with you. Much sympathy and prayers at this sad time. Jill"
Marlin, Shirley & Shannon Allen wrote on Nov 30, 2008:
"To the family of Lowell: Lowell did alot for the community of Carson throughout the years. Lowell drove a bus when we were in high school to the basketball and football games, he didn't like us getting too rowdy though. Then Marlin got on the fire department and we traveled many miles waterfighting. Remember when you guys were with us and we fit 8 adults in our small Datsun car and drove to Jacs and the tires were about flat!! Many good times and fun times at conventions and dances. I know that you guys had many good times with my folks as well. Marlin remembers many times working with Lowell at Pott. County. May he be at peace now and no longer in any pain. May you cherish the good memories to get you through the days ahead. With our sympathy..."
Vicki Palmer wrote on Nov 30, 2008:
"Shirley and family,
So sorry to hear about Lowell. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
Sandi Rieber Bolton wrote on Nov 29, 2008:
"Shirley & family,
I am so sorry to hear about Lowell. He was a wonderful guy, always smiling and full of fun. He will be terribly missed. All of you are in my prayers."
Kimberly Carter Rooney wrote on Nov 29, 2008:
"Shirley and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lovell was interesting man. I remember one time when my brother drove his pickup in front of our house. He will be deeply missed. You are in my prayers."
Mary Carter wrote on Nov 29, 2008:
"Shirley I am so sorry to hear of you loss. Lowell was a great man. You have my deepest sympathy."
Gary & Julie Funkhouser wrote on Nov 28, 2008:
"Shirley and family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss of Lowell. You have our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Gary & Julie"