Earl Spencer Phillips

Earl Spencer Phillips, a.k.a. Sonny or Phil, age 88 of Atwater, passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Doctor’s Medical Center in Modesto. Born January 26, 1935 in Green County, Illinois, he was the son of the late Earlmond and Grant Phillips.

Earl served as an electrician specializing in airplane electronics in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1984. He later worked for 21 years as a high school economics and history teacher at Merced High School. Earl was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. In his spare time, he was an avid woodworker. He is remembered fondly for his sharp intellect, generous spirit, and loyal dedication to friends and family.

Earl is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Lori, Shawn, and Shane (wife, Kathy); and five grandchildren, Kyle, Kaylie (husband, Jared), Lindsey, Matthew, and Brynlee. He is also survived by three brothers, Dale, William (wife, Kathy), and Lyndell (wife, Martha); two sisters, Jean and Dee Daum; and sister-in-law, Donna. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary and brother-in-law, Larry.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Atwater with military funeral honors burial at 1:00 PM at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Christian Berets (https://www.christianberets.org).

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