Michael Kent Phillips (83) of Newton

Michael Kent Phillips, age 83, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 12:15 PM Monday, March 27, 2023, at Ridgeview Nursing and Rehab in Oblong, Illinois.

Funeral services celebrating Michael’s life will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Newton, Illinois, with Rev Steve Willis officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, March 31, 2023, at the church. In loving memory of Michael, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Michael Kent was born on May 29, 1939, in Newton, Illinois, the son of Dale Woodroe and Roberta V. (McSchooler) Phillips. He graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1957. On May 25, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart Pauline Davidson in West Liberty, Illinois.

Michael worked at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for 19 years. After moving back to Newton, he worked in quality control at Briggs Pottery from 1976 until 1999. Later he worked at the World Color Press.

Michael was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newton and the Tri-County Bikers. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, listening to bluegrass music, photography and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Michael is survived by:

Wife of 64 years – Pauline Phillips of Newton, Illinois

Children – Harold Phillips of Sainte Marie, Illinois; Carl (Cari) Phillips of Sainte Marie, Illinois; Richard (Tamara) Phillips of Newton, Illinois; Kelly Kocher of Mesa, Arizona; and Rachel (Tony) Pitcher of Jewett, Illinois

Brothers – David (Darlean) Phillips of Bedford, Indiana; and Paul (Connie) Flynn of Ridge Manor, Florida

17 Grandchildren

23 Great Grandchildren

Many nieces and nephews

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Carl Flynn, sisters Rita (Phillips) Zak and Carla (Flynn) Hoffmeister, special grandma Gussie Reynolds, who helped raise him, and his father and mother-in-law Harold and Minnie Davidson.