Byron Paul Phillips, 73

Byron Paul Phillips, 73, was born Sept. 12, 1948, to Ellis Bradley Phillips and Isabel Shipman Phillips. He joined brother Greg (age 2) and was followed two years later by brother Dale.

He was raised in Libby and attended Libby High School where he played basketball and football. He also played Legion Baseball and enjoyed skiing. He graduated in 1966 and attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, for a short time. After leaving PLU he joined the Army. He attended basic infantry training and airborne school and was sent to Vietnam with the 1-50 Mechanized Battalion, 173 Airborne Brigade. He was in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969.

He returned home to Libby and married Linda Finlayson on Sept. 12, 1970. On Sept. 22, 1975, they welcomed a son, Kenneth James, to the family, followed by a daughter, Lisa Lee, on July 23, 1977. He was extremely proud of the military service of both of his children and now his oldest grandson.

Byron loved anything outdoors or sports related. He fished, golfed, and was an avid skier since he was a small child. He played volleyball, basketball, and was a standout softball pitcher who competed in softball tournaments both locally and regionally. He also coached his son and daughter’s Little League teams and loved being a member of the Logger Football chain gang for nearly 30 years.

After retiring he enjoyed helping friends with building projects, taking road trips with various friends and painting crosses with other VFW members.

He loved his six grandchildren. He cherished his time watching them play sports and was proud of all of their accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his parents Brad and Isabel Phillips, and older brother Greg Phillips.

Byron is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda; children, Kenneth Phillips (Gina) and Lisa Phillips; grandchildren, Darius, Siane, Latasha (Lisa); Matthew, Lincoln and Harper (Kenneth and Gina); brother, Dale Phillips; sister-in-law, Carol Phillips (Greg); sister-in-law, June Upchurch; stepbrother, Jeff Gruber; nieces and nephews, Paul, Tyler and Miesha (Dale); Mark, Jance, Jeremy (Carol and Greg) and April (June).

Services will be held on Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. at the Libby Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please make donations to Turner Mountain at P.O. Box 210, Libby, MT 59923.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.