Joseph Allison Phillips, 75, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 10, 2012. He was born in Houston on September 8, 1936, and was proud to be a life-long Houstonian.
Joe proudly served in the U.S. Marines (Semper Fi). He joined the ranks of the Houston Fire Department in August 1962, serving under 16 chiefs and holding many positions, including Public Information Officer, during his tenure. He retired from the fire department on April 1, 2011, after 48 years and 8 months of dedicated service. Joe was a member of the Reagan Masonic Lodge #1037, the Scottish Rite, and American Legion Post #560.
Joe never met a stranger in his life; he had jokes, stories, and expressions like no other. He had many hobbies and talents that kept him in the shade of his carport for hours on end, but within sight of everyone who came down the street. Rarely a person passed who didn't stop to talk to Joe or at least honk and wave. He was a master woodworker, and he never met an engine (lawnmower or otherwise) he couldn't fix. He was a history buff who reveled in sharing his knowledge of Houston and points beyond. In the last several years, Joe loved riding his Harley to visit old friends at the neighborhood fire station, stopping in to visit friends or acquaintances at retirement centers, and making new friends along the way. He was proud of his family, his service to the U.S. Marines, and his years of service to the Houston Fire Department.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Otto "Barney" and Aline (Gregson) Philips, brother, William "Bill" Phillips, and sister, Sarah Gum.
Joe was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia "Pat" Lindsay Phillips; children, Cynthia Laskowski and husband Alton of Spring, Michael Phillips and wife Brenda of Spring, Stacey Osceola and husband Bryant of Tomball; grandchildren, Valerie and Lindsay Laskowski and Alex, Brent, and Hannah Phillips; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, March 15th, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the chapel of Pat H. Foley & Co. A service to celebrate Joe's life will be held at 12:30 pm on Friday, March 16th, at Champion Forest Baptist Church, 15555 Stuebner-Airline Rd., Houston 77069. Interment will follow at Houston National Cemetery at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Houston; Shriners Hospitals for Children, Galveston - Burns Unit; or a charity of choice.
Source: The Houston Chronicle, Houston, Texas, Wednesday, March 14, 2012
