John W. Phillips, Jr.

John W. Phillips, Jr., age 82, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 12:01 pm on Wednesday September 27, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.  Born on February 14, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of John W. and Mary L. (Kelly) Phillips, Sr.

John attended Columbia City Joint High School and graduated with the Class of 1958.  He then proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He enjoyed collecting antique radios and lighthouses, traveling, gardening his tomatoes and roses.  On August 28, 1974, John married Mary Bellinger in Columbia City.

John had a long working career at the Post & Mail for 32 years until he retired, Blue River Apartments and Star Financial Bank, where he did maintenance for over 20 years, Reliable Cleaning Service for 21 years, and he was also the owner of Phillips Diversified Cleaning Service for over 45 years.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Mary Phillips of Columbia City; children Rick Phillips of South Whitley, Mike (Susan) Phillips of Columbia City, Selena Simmons and Christine (Nyan) Aung, both of Fort Wayne, Brian Phillips and Ryan (Anna) Phillips, both of Columbia City; grandchildren Jessica, Angie, Jennifer, Taylor, David, Christina, Jeffrey, Nicholas, Travis, Andrea, and Alexia; 6 great-grandchildren; sister Gloria Zumbrun of Springfield, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Evelyn Neeley, Donald Phillips, James Phillips, Robert Phillips, Wiemann Phillips, Ronnie Phillips, and a great-grandson.

Funeral service for John will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday October 2, 2023, at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with calling from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm prior to service.

Burial will follow in South Park Annex Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to DeMoney Grimes towards his final expenses.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the online guest register.