Lawrence M Phillips
Marriages
Stella Ruth Woodcock - June 19, 1949
Helen B. Urie - April 25, 2003
Burial Details
Obituaries
Steamboat Today - July 22, 2014
Lawrence M. Phillips died on July 17, 2014 at Skyline Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canon City. He was 87 years young. Born March 26, 1927 in Yampa, Colorado, to Lewis L. and Fannie G. Phillips, Lawrence grew up and ranched in the Yampa and Routt County area. He worked with his Uncle John and younger brother, Floyd, on the Phillips’ Brothers Ranch in Yampa. Much like his father, Lewis Phillips, Lawrence had a green thumb and loved gardening. Every summer, his patios overflowed with a bevy of flowers and tomato plants. He was extremely proud of his accomplishment of showing 4-H steers at the Denver Stock Show from 1941 through 1943. He graduated from Yampa High School in 1945 and joined the Army in November 1946. Stationed in New York City, he proudly served his country as an escort home for fallen soldiers. He also played clarinet in the Army Band. He was honorably discharged in1948.
On June 19, 1949, he married Stella Ruth Woodcock, also of Yampa. They ranched in the Yampa area from 1949-1957. The family moved to Canon City in 1957, where Lawrence began work as a Correctional Officer at the Colorado State Prison. He was promoted to Ranch I as a Correctional Farm Supervisor and retired in 1977. He was owner/operator of Canon Fire Equipment from 1963 until 2004, providing fire protection services though out Colorado with his son, Tim. In 2001, Stella Ruth passed away after an extended illness.
Grandson to early Yampa area settlers John and Betty Jane Phillips, Lawrence loved learning the history of Colorado. He enjoyed travel. And after 2001, he joined several group excursions and traveled to various destinations from Oregon to Niagra Falls to Branson, MO. During this time he met Helen B. Urie. They were married on April 25, 2003. They enjoyed traveling for several years.
Lawrence, a devout Christian and devoted family man, enjoyed nothing more than good fellowship and sitting back after a nice family dinner and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play. He is survived by his wife, Helen, of Canon City; children, Tim (Lorrie) Phillips, Jolene Willsey and Darlene Phillips, all of Canon City, and Kathi Kuretich of Winnemucca, NV; step-children, Carole (Paul) Langlois of Penrose, Charles (Yvette) Urie of Charleston, IL; Richard (Dawn) Urie of Baton City, WA, and Darren (Kari) Urie; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous step great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Fannie Phillips, his wife, Stella Ruth, his brother, Floyd, his daughter, Jan Freeman, and his son-in-law, Larry Kuretich.
Viewing is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at Holt Family Funeral Home in Canon City, CO. Funeral services set for 11 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2014 at the First Southern Baptist Church in Canon City, with Bill McDowell officiating. Graveside services will follow at Mountain Vale Memorial Park in Canon City.
Donations may be made in Lawrence’s name to the American Legion#90, Egeria Lodge, Yampa, Colorado 80483.
Arrangements are under the care of Holt Family Funeral Home. Online condolences @ www.holtfamilyfuneralhomes.com
