Samuel R. “Sam” Phillips, 80, of West Decatur died Monday, March 2, 2015 at his home.
Born Sept. 15, 1934 in Boggs Township, he was the son of the late Arthur G. and Grace (Richards) Phillips.
He married Donna Jean (Knepp) Phillips on July 30, 1953 in Mineral Springs. She preceded him in death on July 6, 1984. He is survived by his companion, Iva Jean Bush, at home.
Mr. Phillips was Christian by faith. He was a self-employed backhoe operator and a grave digger in many cemeteries for more than 30 years.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Fay Phillips, Mabel Phillips and Rachel Thacik and two brothers, Stanley Phillips and Arthur Phillips.
Along with his companion, he is survived by a daughter, Betty Lockett of Houtzdale; two sisters, Dorothy Morris of Woodland and Carol Beck and her husband, Gilbert of Houtzdale; and three brothers, Foster Phillips and his companion, Edith Gonzalez of Morrisdale and Ronald Phillips and his wife, Jacqueline and James Phillips and his wife, Caroline of West Decatur.
He is also survived by five grandchildren, Davis Lockett, Eric Lockett, Michael Lockett, Matthew Lockett and Melissa English and five great-grandchildren, Breanna Lockett, Ashley Lockett, Kayla Lockett, James Lockett and Tina Lockett.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Osceola Mills with Pastor Darl Ware officiating. Burial will be at the Baughman Cemetery in RD Houtzdale.
Friends will be received from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. Friday until the time of services at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.O. Box 157, Osceola Mills, PA 16666.
To sign the online guestbook, go to: www.heathfuneral.com.