Robert Patrick “Pat” Phillips, 84 of Oakland, Nebraska, died Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at Oakland Heights Nursing Home.
He was born February 11, 1935 in Laramie, Wyoming to Robert and Eileen Phillips. The family moved to Alliance, Nebraska where Pat went to school at St Agnes Academy K-12. Pat enlisted in the army in 1953 and was Honorably Discharged in 1956. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
Pat married Susan Ann Shald of Gordon, NE on June 21, 1958, at St Leo’s Catholic Church. They moved to Milwaukee where Pat continued his schooling at Marquette University and worked at Roadway Trucking. While there they had six of their seven children. They moved to Gordon in 1966 where their seventh and final child was born. Pat and Susan were married for 52 years and blessed with countless friends and family.
Before he married, Pat worked at the Black Hills Central Railroad of Hill City, SD, a job he truly enjoyed. He went on to work for Shald Land & Cattle Company, but will mostly be remembered for proudly representing Harris Sales of Alliance, NE as a salesman for over 30 years. He was involved in many community organizations including The Knights of Columbus, The Gordon Memorial Hospital Board, The American Legion club, and The Willow Tree Festival.
Pat was an avid reader, especially interested in American and world history, current news and world events. Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing, crossword puzzles, and Jeopardy, enjoying many championship victories in the comfort of his own home. He was known for his competitive bent in Bridge and Cribbage, and his long games of Risk and Uno with his grandchildren.
Pat was a loyal fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Green Bay Packers, The Marquette Warriors, Major and college league baseball and The Gordon Broncs.
Pat will be remembered for his charming affability and his ready smile for all he met. He was a gentle, kind listener who truly connected with all whom he had the pleasure of meeting. Above all, Pat enjoyed spending precious time with his family and friends.
Pat is survived by his sons Mark (Lovetta), Michael (Deb), Paul (Joe), Stephen, and
Matthew (Marcie); his daughters Katie (John) O’Connor and Mary Lambley; his grandchildren Kyle, Kalen, Kevin, Alan, Veronica, Jarrett, Jordan, Amelia, Evie, Xavier, Hayley, Emily, Ryan, and Hannah, and his great-grandchildren Wesley and Scarlett, Madelyn and Tyson, Breckin and Atlas. He will also be dearly missed by Ilene Brown, her sons, daughters and grandchildren, who Pat was a special part of their life for over ten years.
Pat was predeceased in death by his parents Robert and Eileen Phillips, his daughter-in-law Lori Phillips and his beloved grandson Justin Phillips.
A Mass of Christian Burial Service was held Friday January 10, 2020, 10:00 AM at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Gordon, NE. Burial was held in the Gordon Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for The Gordon Memorial Hospital and The Gordon American Legion. Donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, Nebraska 69343.