Obituary: John Phillips

John Phillips

Powell, Wyo.

John Rangvold Phillips, residing with his daughter and son-in-law in Powell, Wyo., went on to be with the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. His earthly body went to sleep with his family surrounding him at home at sunset. He fought persistently for several months through aggressive brain cancer to spend more time with family. In the last days, there were hearts changed and renewed dedications to Christ through his unspoken testimony.

A Graveside Service was held with military honors by the North Dakota Army Funeral Honors Team at Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford, N.D., on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 2 p.m., officiated by Pastor Joe Greiner. Fellowship followed at New Rockford Evangelical Free Church, where all were welcome to share in food and testimonies of their adventures as a friend of John. Recorded music was "Hymn of the Cherubin" and "Bach – Mass in B Minor BWV 232."

John was born October 31, 1950 in Decatur, Ill. to William Carl Phillips and June Jeanette Haga. He received a bachelor of science in Mathematics from Florida State and a master's degree in Engineering from University of Florida. This was after enlisting in the Army during the Vietnam War, serving as a Cobra attack helicopter pilot where he earned two Air Medals, one with Valor. He ended his service as Chief Warrant Officer II. He married his sweetheart, Carol Virginia Kelley, on January 1, 1975 in West Palm Beach, Fla. He had a 25-year career as an Industrial Engineer in the field of nuclear energy. His most loved hobbies were hunting and fishing. His family of three daughters and wife often were part of the outdoor adventures through the years. He served as song leader, Sunday school teacher and groundskeeper for many years at the First Church of God in Aiken, S.C. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Warwick, N.D. where they lived together for the past 15 years. He was a member of the Eddy County Rod & Gun Club and attended New Rockford Evangelical Free Church. After many years of enjoyment in their prairie retreat, Carol passed on to be with the Lord in 2022.

John is survived by his brother William (Bill) Phillips (wife Sue), daughter JoAnna Winston (husband Jake), daughter Kelly Ackerman (husband Shaun), daughter Cindy Donnelly and grandson Andrei Mistreanu.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.