Obituary of Robert J. Phillips

Robert James Phillips, age 69, of Richland, New York died Thursday, August 28, 2003 at home. Robert was born September 24, 1933 in Syracuse, New York, the son of the late Earl E. and the late Edna I. (Campbell) Phillips. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1971 after serving 21 years including service in Vietnam. Following his retirement he worked at Green Hills Farms and Ft. Drum Commissary. He was a well known drummer for country music bands for over 30 years. He was a member of Knights of Columbus. Mr. Phillips is survived by his wife of 18 years, Patricia Obrist Phillips of Richland, New York; daughter and son-in-law: Debra and Jerry Smith of LaFayette, New York; four sisters: Donna Phillips of LaFayette, New York, Jeanne (Burt) Smith of Hunt, New York, Carol (Richard) Young of Ft. Worth, Texas, Esther (Steven) Phirpes of Ft. Worth, Texas; three brothers: Earl (Velissa) Phillips of Nedrow, New York, Allen (Ann) Phillips of California, Jerry (Norma) Phillips of Baldwinsville, New York; his grandchildren, which he was very proud of, Laura (Christian) Crisafi of Liverpool, New York; Kevin Smith of Brockport, New York and Ashlee Smith of LaFayette, New York; several nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Services: Wednesday, September 3, 2003, 11:00 a.m. in St. James Church, 4845 S. Salina St., Syracuse where a Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated by Father Daniel J. O'Hara. Burial with Military Honors will be at Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, New York. Friends may call Wednesday, September 3, 2003 in St. James Church Chapel from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted by the family. Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, Inc. 4612 S. Salina Street Syracuse, New York 13205