John Francis Dephillips

John Francis DePhillips, 73, of Johnston, passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer on February 19, 2024 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

John was born on July 26, 1950 in Des Moines, Iowa to Milo and Mary (Conley) DePhillips. He was the second oldest of ten children. John grew up in West Des Moines in a strong, Catholic family where his faith and devotion continued to grow throughout his life. John attended Dowling Catholic High School and later earned a bachelor's degree from Briar Cliff University. He joined the United States Navy in 1969 and was proud to serve his country. He married Kathleen Duff at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. John worked his entire career in the telephone industry, starting as an engineer and working his way into upper management.

John enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and shooting skeet and trap. He loved his cars, especially his Jeep, Corvette, and T-Bird. His final years of life were spent enjoying his grandchildren and deepening his faith. John was a generous man, and helped many people, but he often did so quietly and discreetly.

John is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Elizabeth, Brian, and Laurie; and grandchildren, Audrey, John, Lucy, Madelyn, Sienna, Gabriella, and Mary Kate. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Mary; brother, Paul; mother-in-law, Geraldine Duff; father-in-law, William Duff; and sister-in-law, Maureen Duff.

A Latin Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 23, 2024 at St. Augustin’s Catholic Church with a Rosary to be held at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m., at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors. The family invites everyone to return to the church for a time of food and fellowship following the burial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic School to be used for student tuition assistance in honor of Monsignor Chiodo who was a dear friend to John throughout his life. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.