Obituary of Maurice H. Phillips

Maurice H. Phillips, 86, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 17, 2016, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Born May 28, 1930, in Monterey Park, California to Walter and Julia (Failor) Phillips, Maurice grew up in California and Newton, IA., graduating from Newton High School in 1949. He was united in marriage to Geraldine Shobe on April 25, 1953. Graduating from Officer’s Training School, Maurice pursued a career in the U.S. Army National Guard retiring with the rank of Brigadier General. He also held a longtime position as Director, Factory Personnel for the Vernon Company in Newton – a company for which he was truly dedicated. Maurice was very generous in donating his time and energy to many organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Newton Morning, and then the Newton Noon Kiwanis Clubs, The Masonic Temple, the Newton Library Board, the Newton Chamber of Commerce, serving as a President and recognized with their Community Service Award, the Republican Party, and a proud Republican, he was, and he served on the Board of Education for the Newton Community School District from 1973-1976. Maurice is survived by his wife, Geraldine of Newton, sons Ronald (Nancy) of Des Moines, Charles (Lynn) of Tucson, AZ and Thomas (Diane) of Norwalk, as well as seven grandchildren, John, Stephanie, Sam, Maggie, Mark, Katie and Sarah (Matt) Stoker along with numerous nephews and nieces. Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Frederick, a sister Kay Lahey and grandson, David. Maurice loved spending time with family, particularly his grandchildren and meeting friends for breakfast, dinner and a game of golf – he loved playing golf. And, he loved serving his community and serving his country. He was a great role model for his sons and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements and services are being provided by Pence ~ Reese in Newton with visitation on Wednesday, July 20, at 10:00 am. Services are at 11:00 am followed by burial at the Newton Union Cemetery.