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John Richard Phillips, Sr.

April 2, 2026

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John Richard Phillips, Sr.  (82) of Decatur, IL passed away Thursday April 2, 2026.  John was born in Lansing, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan for Civil Engineering and later received an MBA from the University of Chicago.  After a full career in food product manufacturing and management including Procter & Gamble, Swift, Bunge (BEOCO), and A.E. Staley, he focused his efforts on improving his neighborhood and community in Decatur, IL.  With his wife and children he owned and operated several small businesses and restaurants in the area, most recently University Service with his son John Phillips, Jr. John was actively involved in community building, including CONO, OKO, the Greater Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce, his HOA board, supporting the Devon, and attending most Decatur City Council meetings for over 25 years. To further his efforts to grow Decatur business he taught at Millikin University and mentored in the SBA’s Score program.

John supported his grandchildren in their academic and sporting pursuits at St. Teresa and Maroa-Forsyth respectively. He loved live entertainment, music, and theatre; enjoyed golf, poker, and Michigan Football and Basketball. He often went to Michigan games and reunions with the basketball team, especially Cazzie Russell, from his time as team manager and proudly talked about his experiences when the team went to the Final Four.  He would travel to play at famous golf courses, including St. Andrews in Scotland and have adventures abroad. He climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Kenya and to the Base Camp at K2 in China.

John Sr. is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia, son John Phillips, Jr. (Alicia) daughter Chris Gregory of Aiken, SC, grandchildren Jessica, Jakaelin, Jasmine, Deondre, Tyler, Jennifer, Donald, Logan, and Michael and great grandchildren; brother Larry (Gail) Phillips and sister Ann (Forrest) Hayford of Michigan.  John Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Libby Phillips, and his son-in-law, Tommy Gregory.

Cremation is planned with a private interment service in St. John’s, Michigan this summer.   In Lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to OKO Community Center or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

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John and I came to know each other at the University of Michigan during cross-disciplinary math and engineering classes. Over time, we grew our friendship into after-hours adventures and misbehavior. Our academic lives gradually became eclipsed by our social lives. When Sue and I were married in 1966, John served as a groomsman. After the wedding, we moved to Seattle to begin actual jobs and set up housekeeping. John sensed that we might feel isolated and lonely ‘way out in the wilds of Washington state so he flew out to stay with us and celebrate the New Year. We rang in 1967 down in Seattle’s Pioneer Square at the infamous Blue Banjo music hall. Sue was especially appreciative to have a dear and fun-loving friend join us for our first holiday away from home. Norm and Sue Campau Sammamish, Washington

Posted by Norm and Sue Campau on September 11, 2026

Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends during this difficult time and the days to come, my God comfort you and give you strength. Burl Stoner & Family

Posted by Burl Stoner & Family on April 15, 2026

My thoughts and prayers are with the Phillips family. I have worked at The Devon since day one and loved seeing John & Marcia at each show. They were such a joy to see them as they were always friendly and were a staple at each show no matter what the music was. Our whole staff will miss seeing John each week. Praying for Marcia.

Posted by Amy Hogan Bledsaw on April 6, 2026