Lowell A. Phillips' Obituary
Lowell Alfred Phillips was born January 16, 1927 in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. He was the middle child and eldest son of Alfred and Effie Phillips. As a youngster, Lowell developed a great appreciation for the written word, and even into his golden years, he was an avid reader. Lowell was a bright and curious child, who enjoyed many wonderful adventures with his friends and family. His fortitude of character and patriotism was evident when at the young age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He honorably served his country from 1944-1946. For his distinguished service, he was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
After the war, Lowell worked as an accountant and office manager/salesman for a lumber corporation and as a construction expediter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Throughout his early adult life, he was employed in the retail meat market and grocery business as well, working in food processing and other manufacturing plants. During this time, Lowell worked tirelessly to obtain degrees in Political Science and Economics. He received his Bachelor’s of Arts from COE College and his Masters of Arts from the University of Iowa. Lowell furthered his education through additional graduate studies from the University of Iowa, Purdue University and the University of Ohio.
Mr. Phillips was a devoted and talented administrator and educator. He served as Division Chairman and Instructor in Political Science and Economics for Eastern Iowa Community College in Clinton, Iowa. Lowell was passionate about seeking out new challenges in his field. This lead him to the East Coast where he held College Administrative positions with Ocean County Community College and Mercer Community College, both in New Jersey. A decade later, he became College Administrator for Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Illinois. In 1991, he retired from that position and continued to serve by teaching Political Science on a part time basis.
Public service was woven deeply into Lowell’s character, and he took active roles in every community in which he lived. In Iowa he served as City Councilman. In New Jersey, he was a Member and Chairman of the Bordentown Township Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Phillips has worked on the Salem, Illinois Planing Commission for over ten years and as Chairman of the Commission for 7 years. He was also Member and original Chairman of the Former South Central Regional Corridor Council. Lowell served as Chairman of the Salem Enterprise Zone Commission and as Councilman for the City of Salem. He considered these roles part of his civic duty.
Lowell continued to demonstrate his dedication to serving others through his leadership within the veterans community. This included his membership with the American Legion and his service as a life member and commander of a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Lowell Phillips further distinguished himself as a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. He was an active member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr. Phillips served in a variety of professional organizations as member and officer. In 2017 he was given the honor of being named Veteran of the Year in the 35th Assembly District of the State of California.
Lowell Phillips was proceeded in death by his wife of 68 years, Naomi (Getz) Phillips. He will be greatly missed by his children Christopher Phillips of Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Katherine Drastal (George) of San Luis Obispo, California; and Sarah Diaz (Rich) of Minnetonka, Minnesota. His pride and joy were his grandchildren Jessica Lorance (Cody), Justin Barkley (Beth), Jakob Phillips and Addie Diaz.
Lowell Alfred Phillips peacefully passed on May 25, 2020. He will be buried privately next to his wife at Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. The Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes and Crematory is honored to care for Lowell's family.
Matthew 25:21
What’s your fondest memory of Lowell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lowell?
Share a story where Lowell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lowell you’ll never forget.
How did Lowell make you smile?
