Russel Phillips, Jr.

Russel Lee Phillips, Jr., age 70, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa.

Russel was born November 19, 1948 in Knoxville, Iowa to Russel Sr. and Gertrude (Robuck) Phillips. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. His passion was automobiles. He loved old cars and race cars, and raced dirt cars at one point in his life. He retired from Alter Scrap Metal after 22 years of service. He will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a jokester.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bonnie Phillips; children, Jerry (Betty Jo) Phillips, Kimberly Mongar, Troy (Christine) Phillips, and Jack Phillips; grandchildren, Ryan (Cyndy) Phillips, Colton (Mackenzie) Phillips, Russell Phillips, Jared Phillips, Jennifer Huff, Donnie Mongar, C.J. Mongar, James (Bailey) Phillips, Hiliary Phillips, Bryce Phillips, Halie Phillips, and Hanah Phillips; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, David (Wanda) Phillips; sister, Joella (Harold) Lukehart; brother-in-law, Jack (Cindy) Gyles; sisters-in-law, Joni (Keith) Veenstra and Patricia Phillips; and a host of other extended family and friends.

Russel was preceded in death by his parents, Russel Sr. and Gertrude Phillips; sister, Karen Spray; and brother, Rodney Phillips.

There will be a 2:00 p.m. graveside service at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa on Tuesday, July 30, 2019. A reception will follow at the Veterans Reception Center in Van Meter.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family in Russel’s loving memory.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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