Edward J. Phillips

Edward “Ed” J. Phillips, age 84, of Topeka, passed away Monday morning, February 24, 2020 at his home in Topeka.  Ed was born March 16, 1935 in Boynton Beach, Florida the son of Charles and Mary Lee (Joyner) Phillips.  Ed graduated from Lake Worth High School in Florida.  He married Evelyn Halbig January 3, 1954 in Florida.  Ed enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in Vietnam and during the Korean War.  He served with the Air Force for over 23 years.  Ed later worked for Palm Beach County in Florida for many years.  Ed and Evelyn moved to Topeka in 2012.  While in Florida, Ed was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners and served as a Pilgrim with the Moose Lodge #2010.  In Topeka, he was a member of the American Legion Post #400.

Ed is survived by his wife, Evelyn of over 66 years; three daughters, Sharon (Eugene) Lillo of Topeka, Susan Carames of Barnhart, MO and Shirley (Wendell) Dyess of Andalusia, AL; two brothers, Russell Phillips of Moline, IL and Michael Phillips of Jupiter, FL; six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  Ed was preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua and a son-in-law, Joe.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rochester Cemetery.  He will lie in state Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home. davidsonfuneral.com