Obituary of Roger Clinton Phillips

Roger Phillips, 90, of rural Liberal, entered the arms of Jesus, his Lord and Savior, on Friday November 4, 2022. Roger was born on July 22, 1932 to Earl and Amanda (Ball) Phillips at their rural Iantha home. Roger was the youngest of 4 Phillips boys. Roger attended elementary school at the one room Excelsior School, and then Liberal High School where he graduated and was President of the class of 1950. On July 6, 1952, he married Ionia Hizar at Verdella Free Will Baptist Church. They raised three children, Clinton, Lora and Lynette. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served until 1954. He was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood and was sent to Korea during the Korean War. He was a heavy equipment operator where he helped to build a church, school, and several roads in Korea. One of Roger's favorite things to do was to bale hay. He took pride in growing quality alfalfa and prairie hay. Those who worked for him agree that his small square bales were the heaviest around. Roger shared his love of farming with many high school boys through the years. They were welcomed into the family, fed, and taught many life lessons. Roger will be most remembered for his faith in Jesus. He took every opportunity to witness and invite someone to church. He attended Verdella FWB church his entire life, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, and as a deacon since 1955. He was honored to help build four different churches in his lifetime. He also volunteered at the Free Will Baptist Youth Camp doing repairs and assisted in building the boys and girls cabins for the Central Western Association. After he was unable to physically attend the camp, he enjoyed seeing the progress through the pictures and stories of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who attend each year. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ionia; son Clinton Phillips; daughters Lora (Lonnie) McWilliams and Lynette (Brent) Emmerson; grandchildren Charity (Craig) Burchett, Chris Waring, Josh Ablian, John (Kassidy) Emmerson and Amanda Emmerson; and great grandchildren Coby, Cooper, and Camryn Burchett. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Andrew, Donald, and Clifford Phillips, and a great-granddaughter Caitlyn Burchett. Per Roger’s request, memorial donations should be made to the Missouri Free Will Baptist Youth Camp. (Camp Niangua). The family will receive visitors at Verdella Free Will Baptist Church on Tuesday November 8, 2022 from 5 PM to 7 PM and a funeral service will be held Wednesday November 9, 2022 at 10 AM at Verdella Free Will Baptist Church. ........................................................................................