Thomas Arthur Phillips

Thomas Arthur Phillips, 75, passed away due to pancreatic cancer on September 24, 2016 in Olympia, Washington, where he moved a year ago to be near family. He had been a 50-year resident of Los Angeles, California. He was born June 1, 1941 to Watkin and Catherine (Flaherty) Phillips in Blakely, Pennsylvania. Thomas graduated from Blakely High School in 1959, and received an A.S. in accounting in 1964 from Lackawanna Junior College where he was class president. In between his schooling, he served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962 as a disbursement specialist at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Maryland. He was awarded Soldier of the Month in December 1960, and received a Certificate of Achievement in 1962 for excellent service. After his service and higher education, he began a career in sales. His hard work culminated in his own successful sales firm Phillips and Associates, Inc., serving the commercial door and hardware industry. Thomas enjoyed playing golf, fishing, bowling, skiing, and outdoor activities. Later in life, he liked watching sports, reading the newspaper, going to the movies, and spending time with his cat. He was also a lifelong Civil War buff, and was especially expert about the battles at Gettysburg. He belonged to the Masons in Pennsylvania, The Wilshire Lion’s Club in Los Angeles (serving as Past President twice), and Elks Lodge in Burbank. As a youth in the Boy Scouts, he achieved his Star Scout rank and was awarded his Duty to God and Country Award. Thomas is survived by his daughter, Allison Phillips; son, Scott Phillips; and brother, Philip Phillips. He was predeceased by his brother, Walter Phillips. Memorial donations may be made to the Civil War Trust at www.civilwar.org. Please leave memories of Thomas or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.