Obituary of Donald Phillips

Donald Lester Phillips, Husband, Father, Papa, and sincere friend to many, passed away peacefully at home on July 21^st 2020, surrounded by his wife of 50 years, Carol, and all of his loved ones. He was born October 12, 1948, and grew up in Toppenish, Washington.

Don spent his youth on an endless number of adventures with friends and family in his hometown, Toppenish. A lifelong jokester with a heart of gold, his unique character provided endless laughter, joy, and warmth for all who he loved.

In early adulthood Don worked as a barber, which led to meeting his future wife of 50 years, Carol. He also worked at the Boeing Plant in Auburn, Washington. After getting married at age 21, Carol and Don would go on to raise their three children, Julie, Heather, and Kindi, at their home in Sumner, where they spent their entire life together.

He absolutely loved his daughters and would create the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts as surprises, just to show how much he cared. Many of us have memories of Don doing surprise acts of kindness that wont ever be forgotten.

Anyone who knows Don knows that he loved to fish, his 1935 Dodge Hot Rod, and his family. Yearly, he would also visit the Peony farm in his hometown, where he is known affectionately by his nickname “Fatdog”. He left an impression wherever he went.

Don also loved to watch the birds in his yard and listen to his water fountains. Those sounds are now a gentle reminder to our family that he is always with us.

Donald Lester Phillips is survived by his wife Carol, his three daughters: Julie, Heather (Ryan), and Kindi (Brad).

Don is also survived by his Grandchildren: Quentin, Taylor, and Trapper, as well as a large group of close friends who will always remember the beauty that Don brought into their lives.  

We look forward to celebrating Don’s life with family and friends at a later date.