LENA - Donald G. Phillips, age 72, died in a motor vehicle accident on Thursday, December 3, 2009. He was born on March 16, 1937 to Earl and Luella (Schulz) Phillips in Red Oak, IL. He was educated in the Lena School system. He married Patricia Rife on January 27, 1961 in Stockton, IL. Throughout his youth he worked for various farmers in the area. He also worked for Structo Mfg. Co., Fairbanks Morse & Co., Burgess Battery Co. and Kelly Springfield Tire Co. until he was disabled in 1975. He loved doing woodworking and craft things. He liked going to auctions and garage sales and was a collector of old things. He liked flowers and gardening and going to the area casinos. He was a member of the Lena United Methodist Church. He was known as "Grouch" to many people in the area and he loved to tease people. He adored his grandchildren. He spent many hours on his lawn mower keeping the grass just so. He liked to travel and go the fairs when he was able.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; his two sons, Kevin (Maureen) Phillips of Argyle, WI and Matthew (Kathy) Phillips of Hettick, IL; one grandson, Joseph Phillips of Hettick, IL; two granddaughters, Brianna Hazel Phillips of Argyle, WI and Katelynn Rose Phillips of Hettick, IL; his brother, Lowell of Warren; his sisters, Ardith Stabenow of Lena, Irene (Cliffon) Smith of Park City, KY and Nancy (Charles) Boop of Pearl City, IL; and a sister-in-law, Donna Phillips of Lena, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gary Phillips, one brother-in-law, Raymond Stabenow and one sister-in-law, Ruby Phillips.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2009 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Visitation will be from 3 till 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Burial will be at Lena Burial Park.

A memorial has been established in his name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.