Earl Phillips

BLISSFIELD – Earl P. Phillips, 80, of Blissfield, passed away Monday, December 6, 2010, at his home under the loving care of his family. Earl was born June 6, 1930, in Blissfield, the son of Warren E. and Esther (Iffland) Phillips. He graduated from Blissfield High School with the Class of 1948. On August 19, 1951, Earl married Cora Mae Knierim. Cora, his wife of over 59 years, survives. Earl owned and operated the family farm, Raisin Valley Farms and Raisin Valley Inc. their trucking business with his father, and later, his two sons. He served as the Ohio Wool Growers Director for Michigan and was active with the Lenawee County Catttlemen’s Association. Earl also served on the Blissfield Township Board from 1969 to 1979, and was actively involved with the Farm Bureau. Earl was a faithful member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church of Blissfield, where he served in many capacities. In addition to his wife, Earl is survived by his children: Gary (Lori) Phillips of Blissfield; Sheryl (Dan) Chapman of Adrian; Keith (Brenda) Phillips, Barbara (Dennis) Mitchell, and Joy (Alan) Dickerson all of Blissfield; eight grandchildren: Alaina (Kelly) Hiatt, Shaunna (Adam) Smith, Gina, Kyle and Tyler Phillips, Stephen Mitchell, Jenna and Diane Dickerson; and four great grandchildren: Noah, Jonah, and Anna Hiatt and Jillian Smith. Also surviving is a sister, Alice (Wendell) Goetz of Riga and four step-sisters, Glendora Klump, Rosamond Maloney, Marlene Keller and Marjorie Cole. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Zelma (Scholl, nee Sell) Phillips; brothers, Lloyd and Keith; and a great granddaughter, Hope Hiatt. The funeral service for Earl will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 10, 2010, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Blissfield with Rev. Aaron Kesson and Rev. Adam Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. Friends may visit the family at Wagley Funeral Home Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. You may also send condolences to www.wagleyfuneralhome.com. Contributions in memory of Earl may be made to Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and Wagley Funeral Home Tagsold Chapel.

Earl Phillips

June 6, 1930 - December 6, 2010