Merle "Lee" Phillips, Jr.

Known as Lee to his friends, Merle Phillips was a bright light in the lives of those around him. He could always make us laugh and could weave a story together like no other, but it was his unending love for his family that will be his lasting legacy. Known for his generous spirit, Leroy was the sort of man who would do anything for anyone despite the personal sacrifice. Taken from those he loved much too soon, Lee will be deeply missed while his memory remains forever near and dear to all our hearts.

The decade that became known as the Nifty Fifties was a vibrant time in America when the cultural fabric of our nation was being transformed into a new and bolder mosaic of American life. Rock ‘n roll music captivated the nation and much of the world while television shows like Howdy Doody and The Lone Ranger drew people to their living rooms in growing numbers. The civil rights movement was gaining momentum while the Space Race between the United States and Russia began during the later years of this decade. Nestled within this colorful time was the year 1954 that boasted of great joy for one young couple from Battle Creek, Michigan, who was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy. Baby Merle was welcomed into the arms of his parents, Merle and Ruth (Hampton) Phillips, as the second of three children. He was raised alongside his siblings, Lenard and Vickie, and moved frequently as his father was in the military. Leroy attended local schools wherever he was living including Mendon High School where he played football.

After graduating from high school in 1972, Lee entered the United States Marine Corps. When his four years of military service were fulfilled, he enrolled at Missouri State University where he majored in math and minored in history.

With his education behind him, Lee did a little of this and a little of that for work. His work most notably included starting or consulting with others who were starting manufacturing and injection molding companies in the area. In the mid-nineties, Lee became an independent truck driver and had currently been driving for Express-1 Expediting.

Life was forever changed for Leroy when he met the woman who stole his heart. Her name was Karen Delger and they met in divorce court. Lee came home with her phone number that day and although he repeatedly called her, he got no answer. Persistence paid off, however, as it was the message he finally left in which he apologized for bothering her, saying that she certainly must have given him her number just to be nice that caught her attention. In fact, Karen was so moved by Leroy’s heartfelt message that she agreed to a first date on December 1, 1988. That date led to many more dates, and within a few months the couple was deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together, Leroy and Karen were married on April 21, 1989.

The newlyweds initially settled into a home in Vicksburg. They later moved to a home in Three Rivers and then in Litchfield before finally settling back in Vicksburg in 1995. Together the couple was blessed with two children who were the light of their lives: their son, Tom, and their daughter, Jamie. Although his work on the road took him out of town much of the time, Leroy always looked forward to his return, and his home was his favorite place to be.

In his free time Leroy enjoyed pursing his interests. He had a rather adventurous side and enjoyed skydiving, and he also liked fishing and hunting. As his friends and family can attest, Lee was a fantastic storyteller whose stories had no match, and he also had a great sense of humor that he shared with those around him with every opportunity he saw.

There were so many things that made Leroy such a unique man who was deeply loved. He could be stubborn at times, only because he was passionate in his beliefs, and he was always loyal and faithful to his family and friends. Leroy was a generous man who was always on the lookout for ways he could help a friend or family member whether in ways great or small.

Life took a devastating turn for Lee and his loved ones when he wasn’t feeling well after undergoing cataract surgery just two weeks ago. It was at that time that he was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer from which he was unable to recover.

Through the life of Merle Phillips we are reminded that each day is a gift to spend with those we love. He never took even one day for granted and in so doing, made a significant impact in the lives of those around him. It was no secret that Lee felt he was the luckiest man around to have captured the love of his life with whom he created the family he cherished. The memories he leaves behind will be a lasting treasure for generations to come.

Merle Phillips died Friday in Detroit. Lee’s family includes his wife, Karen; children, Tom and Jamie Phillips; brother, Lenard Phillips; sister, Vickie Shafer; mother-in-law, Grace Bond; brother-in-law, Paul Delger; sister-in-law, Sue Delger and several nieces and nephews. Following cremation, no formal services are planned, however, family and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Thursday to share memories and stories at the Life Story Funeral Home Vicksburg, 409 S. Main St. (649-1697) Please visit Lee’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory and sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the family.