Philips, Richard 1927-2016

PHILIPS, JOHNSON, LENTON

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/29/2017 at 09:01:32

Richard Philips

July 09, 1927 - September 08, 2016

U.S. Veteran, Richard Lee Philips, 89, of Akron, Iowa passed away Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Hawarden, Iowa.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Adaville United Methodist Church, rural Merrill, Iowa. Reverend Merrill Muller will officiate. Inurnment will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, rural Merrill with military honors conducted by the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron. Visitation with the family present will be after 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 16, 2016 with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m., all at Rexwinkel-Schroeder Funeral Home in Akron. Visitation will resume from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the church.

Richard was born July 9, 1927 on the family farm in Plymouth County, Iowa, the son of William and Irene (Johnson) Philips. He was baptized at Adaville Evangelical United Brethren Church (United Methodist) where is numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins attended. He attended 8 years of country school in Johnson Township and graduated from Akron High School in 1944. He farmed with his father until he was drafted in the United States Army in 1950. He was deployed to Germany for a year and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sgt. In 1952. He returned to the farm and farmed for the rest of his life.

He married Wanda Lenton on January 9, 1954 at the Methodist Church in Randolph, Nebraska and were married for over 62 years.

Richard had a deep faith and served his church in all capacities from trustee to usher. Richard and Wanda took several mission trips for the church. Church mission trips included Palmer, Alaska, the Blackfoot Indian Reservation in Montana and Dulac, Louisiana where they helped people in need. He served his community in many ways. He was active in 4-H in his youth and continued that enthusiasm by helping his children with their fair projects, such as showing cattle and hogs, dog training, and working the antique booth. He was a member of the Lions Club, served on the board of the Akron Co-Op, NIPCO, REC, and Farm Bureau, serving as Plymouth County Farm Bureau President. He was elected Plymouth County Supervisor and served from 1985-2004. He was proud to give back to his community through his service.

His life was filled with activity of which he was capable of doing well until the ravages of Parkinson disease and Diabetes took their toll. He enjoyed water-skiing, golfing, scuba diving, dancing, and most important, fishing. He farmed all of his life but managed to travel often. His favorite trip was the annual fishing trip to Canada with his friends and family. He would plan and guide the trip and managed to catch the biggest fish. He loved the world of nature and especially enjoyed winters in Tarpon Springs, Florida where they had a condo for 25 years.

Survivors include his wife of over 62 years, Wanda of Akron, IA; their 4 children: Valerie (Randy) Elam of Wichita, KS, Vance (Vickie) Philips of Denver, CO, Greta (Tom) Ford of Key West, FL, and Matthew (Laura) Philips of Decatur, IL; grandchildren: Austin, Peter, Maggie, Grant, Stephanie, Caitlin, Alex, Alyssa, Grant, and Kelly; great grandchildren: Isaac, Coralin, and Quinn; his sister: Margaret Talbot of Akron, IA; his brothers: Jason (Arley) Philips of Akron, IA, and Sam (Nadine) Philips of Akron, IA; and his numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and sister in law: Herb and Marlene Philips; a granddaughter: Ashley; and his in laws: Gomer and Irma Lenton.

Rexwinkel-Schroeder Funeral Home
Akron, Iowa