Thomas W. Phillips, Jr., 73, of Silver Creek died Tuesday morning, August 8, 2017 at his residence. He was born in Buffalo on September 8, 1943, the son of the late Thomas W. and Jeanette (Morris) Phillips, Sr.
Thomas attended Depew High School and joined the U.S. Army on December 27, 1960 and was honorably discharged on December 22, 1963. During this period of time, he was stationed in Europe, where he played football and basketball for the Army, also learned to ski in the Swiss Alps. He worked for Consolidated Freight in Tonawanda as a truck driver for many years.
Thomas had many interests: hunting, fishing, the great outdoors, and photography, which he learned in France, to name a few. On Friday nights, he could be found at the Lancaster Motor Speedway, watching his brother drag race or working with the pit crew. He loved spending time with his family and friends and would do anything for them. He was a member of the Silver Creek American Legion.
Survivors include a son, Timothy W. (Evi) Phillips of Las Vegas, NV; a daughter, Teresa (Richard) Heidelberger of Greenville, SC; two brothers, George (Lois) Phillips of Alden and Calvin Phillips of Depew; two granddaughters, Alexis (Chad) Barfoot and Summer Heidelberger; a grandson, Travis (Melissa) Heidelberger; and his canine companion, Kassie.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 16 at 11 a.m. at the Rathbun Cemetery in Hanover Center, with Pastor Jim Witherington officiating.
To share a condolence or remembrance with Thomas' family, go to www.holeparkerfc.com.
Arrangements by the Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, 160 Central Ave. Silver Creek.
Obituary from the Observer
