Llewellyn C. Phillips January 21, 1900 - May 16, 2007 We lost a gentle and modest man of stature when Llewellyn C. Phillips passed in his sleep Ma y 16,2007 at age 107. He was at peace and ready to start the next phase of his life with wife and Lord. Llewellyn, "Shorty" to his friends, was born in Chester County, Illinois on January 21, 1900. He married Katherine Neher in 1922 in Chenoa, Illinois. Like many of that time they immediately drove overland to California looking for better prospects, settling in Long Beach. He and Katy raised two sons, Lyle and Leon, who served with honor in WW II and went on to complete college and lead rich professional lives; Leon as an architect in Bakersfield, and Lyle as a college professor in Raleigh, NC. Upon retirement in the early 1960's from Southern Gas and Electric, he and Katy were one of the first residents of Leisure World in Seal Beach, CA. Lew marveled at retiring his 40 year mortgage in 2003. Here they served as official tour guides for their extended family with Lew as the designated driver for trips to the fire rings at Laguna, tours to Rock Creek, and numerous sights throughout California. Lew and Katy were people of modest means, but generous in their support. Many families and family members lives were made better by their direct support and through their church, often anonymously. In their later years both Katy and Lew moved to Southland in Norwalk where he lived independently until a minor stroke last fall. Preceding Llewellyn in death were his wife Katherine and their sons Leon and Lyle. Surviving are cousin Glenda Miller of Colorado; sister-in-law Ruth Beech of Sterling, Ill; daughter-in-law Marcia Phillips of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren: Bart Phillips of Vancouver, WA; Norman Phillips of Hampstead, NC; Linda Phillips Boney of Mountain City, TN; six great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Those who knew Llewellyn were blessed by his quiet and modest manner, subtle humor and internal piety. He was beautiful. We will miss him.
Published in the Long Beach Press-Telegram on 6/3/2007.