Donald “Don” Ray Phillips, age 82 of Eureka, MO passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.
Don was born on November 11, 1938, in Salem, IL the son of Frederick Raymond “Ray” and Lola Belle (Shelton) Phillips. He married Ruth Ann (Pokojski) Phillips in 1972 in Salem and she survives in Eureka.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Christy Mercer and husband Greg of Centralia, Kelly Hopkins and husband Richard of Salem, Troy Phillips and wife Megan of Elmhurst, and Michelle Whitacre and husband Andrew of Eureka; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Donna Steevens and husband John, Judy Milner and husband Bill, Gary Phillips and wife Kathy, Linda Miselbrook and husband Gary, and Kathy Perkins and husband Ken; sister-in-law, Shelly Phillips; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Gregory Blake Mercer; and one brother, Phillip Phillips.
Don was of the Catholic faith. He worked for many years as a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones. Prior to that, he was a manager for Country Companies in Macon County, IL. He was a member of Rotary and was the past Illinois President of Chartered Life Underwriters. Don loved spending time with his family. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing. He and Ruth Ann traveled the world and spent their winters in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. He was a gifted storyteller and authored a book, Zach’s World, a fictional story inspired by his own boyhood adventures.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Salem with Father Abraham Adejoh officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:30 am at Crouse Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery in Salem. Memorials can be made to Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery and can be left at or mailed to Crouse Funeral Home in Salem.
