David Lee Phillips Sr.

David Lee Phillips, Sr., age 77, of DeMotte, IN passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at home with his loving wife by his side. On August 29, 1944 in Winamac, Indiana, David was born to Harold Phillips and Mary (Lones) Pottenger. He graduated from Caston High School, Fulton County, Indiana, Class of 1962. He attended Purdue University for one year before joining the U.S. Army. David is a member of the Christian Church of DeMotte and American Legion Post # 440 of DeMotte. First Lieutenant Phillips has a distinguished and heroic wartime service record, including the award of four Bronze Stars (three with the “V” device), the Purple Heart, four Air Medals and the Army Commendation Medal with the “V” device. Following military service, he served American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) for 27 years, culminating his distinguished career as Lead Engineer directly supervising the development of testing methods for the conversion of the AT&T network from analog wiring to the digital fiber optic system that powers modern communications. He is a Professional-level Softball Umpire and officiated at the Indiana State High School Softball Championship in 2007. He is a volunteer Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) counselor of Viet Nam War Veterans. He has been married to wife Cheryl for 53 years and is the father of six children, grandfather of 10, and great-grandfather of one. David is survived by his wife, Cheryl Phillips of DeMotte, IN; children: Tammy (Matt) Long of Elkhart, IN; Teri West of Greenwood, IN; Dawna Montgomery of Lakeland, FL; Ginger (Christian) O’Rourke of Herndon, VA; David (Susan) Phillips II of DeMotte, IN; Mark (Jenna) Phillips of Westville, IN; 10 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter; sister: Linda Westhusin; half-sister, Katina (David) Levering; step-brother, Jim Gates; and cousin, Richard Strong. He is preceded in death by his parents and half-brother, Robin Gates. Friends and family may visit at Jackson Funeral Service of DeMotte on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 2:00 until 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Jackson Funeral Service with Pastor Derald Ailes officiating. Interment will be at a later date at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to DeMotte American Legion Post #440, PO Box 333 DeMotte, IN 46310.

David Lee Phillips Sr.

August 29, 1944 - November 24, 2021