Forrest Phillips

Forrest W. Phillips, 97, of Kahoka, Missouri passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the home of his son, Keith Phillips. He was born January 9, 1924, the first of five children to Victor and Gladys Morrison Phillips in Luray, Missouri. Forrest graduated from Luray High School in 1942.

In January 1943, at the age of 18, Forrest was drafted into service with the United States Army for WWII. He served in the Army from 1943-1946 with the 71st Evacuation Hospital, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. Forrest served in Papua New Guinea, Noemfoor, Philippines, and with the First Occupational Forces in Japan. During his active duty he was deployed to three amphibious landings, securing three separate beachheads. Forrest was awarded the Army’s: Good Conduct Medal, The Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, The Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 bronze star, The American Theater Campaign Ribbon, A Meritorious Service Wreath – all culminating in Forrest being awarded the World War II Victory Medal. Forrest returned home and later married Dorothy Jean Sisson on August 10, 1947 who preceded him in death on March 22, 2019.

Forrest was a lifelong farmer. In the early years of his farming career, he enjoyed running a crew that traveled throughout the area shelling corn. In addition to farming, he owned and operated Phillips Grain. He later became the co-owner of Green Valley Seed.

Forrest, a devoted Christian, was a longtime active and faithful member of First Baptist Church in Kahoka, serving as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. Most recently, he had been attending Amazing Grace Bible Church in Kahoka.

Second only to his love for the Lord, was his love for his family. He enjoyed having a houseful of family and cherished each and every member. Whether it be clearing brush, building terraces, or building ponds and lakes, Forrest loved time spent in the bulldozer. Forrest and Dorothy worked alongside one another “keeping garden.” They tended to multiple gardens and shared their harvest with their family. Forrest loved to travel with his family, and he and Dorothy were able to take several family vacations with their children and grandchildren, which they enjoyed most of all.

He is survived by three children, Lois Snider of Hannibal, Missouri, Gene (Iris) Phillips of Luray, Missouri, and Keith (Connie) Phillips of Kahoka, Missouri; eleven grandchildren: David (Jodi) Snider of Kahoka, Missouri, Leigh (Clay) Hayden of Hannibal, Missouri, Michelle (Danial) Boatman of Dardenne Prarie, Missouri, Wynnette (Bob) Sherrill of Jackson, Missouri, Calesse (Brent) McKinney of Kahoka, Missouri, Nicole (Zac) Hufty of Houston, Texas, Christy (Josh) Gottman of Trenton, Missouri, Brian (Kassie) Phillips of Kahoka, Missouri, Michael (Jillian) Phillips of Kahoka, Missouri, Emily (Cristian) Reyes of Kansas City, Missouri, and Cyrus (Karlee) Phillips of Kahoka, Missouri. Thirty-four great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild survive. Two sisters survive, Loreta Colter of Pacific, Missouri and Sharon (Gay) Samples of Danville, Iowa; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and two siblings: Talmage Phillips and Evelyn Phillips Clayton.

Funeral services with full military rites honoring the life of Forrest were held Sunday, March 7 at 2:30 pm at the Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home in Kahoka. A visitation was held from 1:00 pm until the time of services on Sunday. Graveside services were held at the Kahoka Cemetery. Military Rites were provided by American Legion Post #192 & Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4342.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amazing Grace Bible Church for Ina York or to the Clark County Senior Center.