Wilfred Robert Phillips

age 79, of Portage, formerly Gary, went home to the Lord on Saturday, November 4, 2017. Wilfred leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife Betty J. Phillips nee Garrett; son Waylan R. (Katrina) Phillips; granddaughter Taylor C. Phillips; sisters: Annette (Eddie Lee) Weems, Caroline Sue (Dr. Eugene) Owens and Helen (Jesse) Hare; special niece and nephew Kim Weems and Kevin Weems; the extended Weems family; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. Wilfred was preceded in death by his parents Robert Phillips and Edna Ward; sisters Evangeline Ward and Ella Mae Jefferson.

Wilfred proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1963. After his service, Wilfred was employed as a Gary Transit bus driver for three years until joining the ranks of the Gary Fire Department in 1967. He served the Gary Community for 33 years until his retirement in 2000 at the rank of Captain. An avid bowler, Wilfred was a member of the Tri-City Bowling League under Duke Bozeman for 20 years.  Wilfred's service to his community extended beyond the Fire Department as he mentored many young men in the Brunswick area. Having accepted Christ at a young age, Wilfred's faith endured throughout his life and we know that Saturday evening he was greeted by his Savior with open arms.

Friends may gather to celebrate Wilfred's life and legacy on Friday, November 17, 2017 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Reed's Temple Church of God 1300 N Broad St. Griffith, IN with Pastor David A. Reed officiating. In lieu of flowers donations in Wilfred's honor may be made to a charity of your choice. Wilfred will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL at a later date. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Golden Living Center for their service and care throughout the years and to Dunes Hospice for their care during Wilfred's transition home.