Clifford Phillips

Clifford Allen Phillips Sr., 74 of Cuba, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Phelps Regional Medical Center in Rolla.

On June 16, 1949, Clifford was born to the union of Ted Phillips and Doris Elizabeth (Haughkirk) at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

Clifford was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dessie “Chuckie” Charlene Phillips (Sellers) on November 7, 1966, in Lemay, Missouri.

He worked for BNSF Railroad with 42 years of dedicated service and would retire in 2009.

Working for the railroad was more than just a job for Cliff, he really appreciated trains and the history of the railroad. Appreciation for trains and railroad history filtered over into his love for classic cars, being the proud owner of a few classics over the years. Cliff was a collector of guitars and loved to sit and listen to all types of music. In his younger years, Cliff was very much a jokester. He would yank anyone's chain to get a reaction from them. He was usually able to get a laugh out of everyone. The family can attest since they were the ones that usually got his quick wit and wise cracks. When he wasn't giving people trouble, he and Chuckie loved to travel and would visit Florida every year up until Chuckie's passing. He also was an avid softball player and had an appreciation for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. After Chuckie's passing, his dog Zeke, became his most trusted companion. Cliff kept busy by taking Zeke with him to go walking around cemeteries and getting fast food. Zeke ate better than most people because Cliff saw to it that he was very well loved and cared for. Cliff was very much a people person but as the years went by he kept his circle close focusing on the quality of people in his life rather than quantity. It's comforting to know that he is now reunited with the love of his life, Chuckie. Cliff will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Ted & Doris Phillips; his wife of 49 years, Dessie “Chuckie” Phillips; great-grandson, Drake Fey; two brothers, Teddy Phillips and Matthew Phillips; sisters-in-law Merle Koehler and husband Bob Koehler.

He is survived by his two children, Clifford "Cliffie" Phillips and wife Nicky of Leasburg and Tammie Fey and husband Mike of Cuba; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Garbo and husband Daniel of Cuba, Michael "Mikie" Fey and wife Jessica of Cuba, Tara Weber and husband Nick of Cuba, Cheyenne Phillips (Wesley) Cuba, Kayla Phillips of Leasburg, Angel Simpson of Cuba and Norman Weigel of Leasburg; sisters-in-law, Carol Bishop of DeSoto and Linda Wickenhouser of Cuba; 17 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba. A Memorial Service will follow at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024, also at Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba.

Arrangements under the compassionate care of Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba.