Billy Joe Phillips

Billy Joe Phillips, 85 of Council Grove, passed away on September 3, 2021, at the Morris County Hospital.

Billy was born May 12, 1936, in Lewisburg, MO to Clarence and Margaret (Hendricks) Phillips. In 1946, his family moved from Missouri to Kansas. He attended Council Grove High School. On May 12, 1953, Billy married the love of his life Lola Belt. To this marriage they had 8 children. Billy drove a truck for the Fairmont Creamery in Council Grove until they closed in 1982. He then bought his own truck and started his own trucking business. In his younger days he was also apart of the Morris County Sherriff’s Department “Posse”. He was a well-known as a jokester with his family and friends.
Billy is survived by his loving wife Lola of the home, children; Pam Block and husband Kevin, Russell Phillips, Jeff Phillips, Brad Phillips and wife Barb, Jody Phillips, Patty Cosgrove and husband Dave, Penny Garber and husband Wes, along with 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Floyd Phillips and wife Laura, sister Ruby Ash and husband Don, along with many other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Randy Phillips, brothers Willard, Edmond, Robert and sisters Margaret and Dorothy.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202 or The American Heart Association, 61 NE 231st Rd, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Private family services will be held at a later date. Sawyer Chapel is serving the family.