Fred Lee Phillips

Fred Phillips, 75 of Earlham, passed away Monday, February 5, 2018 at Legacy Pointe in Waukee. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 at Faith Lutheran Church in Adel with burial at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Family will greet friends Thursday, February 8th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at McCalley Funeral Home in Adel. Fred was born September 1, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa to Donald C. and Luverne Phillips. He was raised in Estherville and went to school in Gruver, IA. He married Ruth Ness and to this union, two children were born. Ruth later passed in 2005. He was baptized and confirmed the day he became a member of Faith Lutheran Church. Fred served in the United States Navy initially assigned to the USS Ticonderoga where he fought in the Vietnam War. He was later in the United States Naval Reserve assigned to the United States Naval Construction Battalion, better known as the Seabees. This is where Fred learned the “CAN DO” motto. Fred was called to active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm in January 1991. Fred worked as a Mail Handler at the Bulk Mail Center in Des Moines until he retired. In 2008, he married Eileen Dreyer. In Fred’s younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Fred’s most recent hobby was woodworking. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Fred is survived by his wife, Eileen; children, Don (Amy) Phillips, Jacquelyn (significant other Chip) Davis, Daniel Phillips, Albert Phillips, Craig (Julie) Jensen, Gary (Linda) Jensen and Brian (Brandi) Jensen; numerous grandchildren and dear brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Ruth; parents and several brothers and sisters. Memorial contributions may be directed in the donor’s discretion in memory of Fred. Online condolences may be left on this site.