Jerry Phillips

Jerry D. Phillips, 75, of State Center, Iowa, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2014, at the Iowa River Hospice Home, with his loving family by his side. Memorial services for Jerry will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church located in State Center, Iowa. Pastor Keith McDonald will be officiating the services. Public visitation will be held from 5:00 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church located in State Center, Iowa, where his family will be present to greet friends. Burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed in Jerrys name to his family. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234. Jerry was born on August 18, 1938, in State Center, Iowa. He was the son of Lewis Pooch and Hazel Phillips. He graduated from Zearing High School in 1956. Jerry joined the Air Force that year and spent three years in Germany as a diesel mechanic. He then met and married the love of his life, Susanne O'Neal, on January 18, 1961 in Waterville, Minnesota. They made their homes in Stanhope, Zearing, and then finally moved to State Center in 1974. Jerry was a member of the State Center United Methodist Church for 35 years and also a proud member of the local Kiwanis group. Jerry had a few occupations, of which the most enjoyable, was a truck driver for over 30 years for companies ranging from as small as Shortley Hog Buying Station and Goodman Milling to much larger companies like Bar Nunn and Midland Transportation. He hauled livestock and grain locally, as well as general goods and merchandise across the country. But to those who knew him best, they will tell you he was the best shade-tree mechanic there was! His favorite hobbies were playing games and cards with his kids and grandkids, golfing, pool, hunting, and fishing. He never met a stranger. His sense of humor, friendly smile, and occasional wisecrack or two would make you feel like you had known him for years. Jerrys ability to win friends and influence people didn't come from a book, but came to him naturally! If you knew Jerry, you know he left a lasting impression in your heart and a legacy on the minds of those he touched. Those that miss him the most are his loving wife of 53 years, Susanne; his children, Dan & Suzette Phillips of Renton, Washington; Donnie Phillips of Ellsworth; and Dawn & Gary Gehling of State Center. Grandchildren: Kendra & Tony Dante, Kara Phillips, Kristian Phillips, Tatton Phillips, Tavis Phillips, Tayne Phillips, Talyn Phillips, Maegan & Mitch Bode, Jessica McDonald, Amanda Darrow, Cameron Darrow, and great grandson Declan Bode; his sister, Dixie & Paul Kellerhals of New Braunfels, Texas, and their five children; and several great nieces and nephews. Jerry moves on to meet his parents, Lewis and Hazel Phillips.