Mr. Thomas Phillips

Obituary Thomas Phillips was born in Hot Springs Arkansas on April 11, 1945, to Johnny and Beatrice Phillips. He passed away peacefully at Olathe Hospice in Olathe Kansas on Thursday July 28, 2022. The family relocated to Stuttgart Arkansas when Tom was a young child. He graduated from Holman High School and was salutatorian of his graduating class. Among his high school honors, he was the president of the honor society both state and local. He attended AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). He majored in History and Political Science. In 1964 he was an initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Gamma Delta Chapter) in Pine Bluff, Beta Xi Lambda in Omaha Nebraska, and a member of Beta Lambda Chapter in Kansas City for over 50 years. He has served in various roles in his fraternity for over 58 years. Thomas inspired countless members of the fraternity to serve as he did. He graduated from AM&N with honors in 1967 where he married the love of his life Vera Jones Phillips, their union lasted 55years. To this union one son, Courtney Alfred Phillips was born. He began his professional career working as a Park Ranger in the National Park Services in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was later recruited to teach American Government at John Burke High School in Omaha, Nebraska. He taught for 2years. While teaching he earned a Masters degree in Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In 1971 he began working for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Four years later he was transferred to Kansas city. He worked at HUD for over 20 years as a Human Resource Specialist. He ended his career in 2003 with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from which he retired as a Senior Regional and National Human Resource Executive. During his 30year tenure he earned several service and performance awards from both agencies. He was a member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church since 1975. He was an active trustee and member of St. Paul’s Personnel Commitee. He was also a go to person when something needed to be done in the church. As well he relished his yearly role as “Andrew” in the |”Last Supper.” He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Mason. He was a member of the Green Pasture Lodge#128 He also held membership in the UAPB Alumni Association Kansas City Chapter (platinum member) and he was a proud member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Theta Boule. Tom lived a good life. Most people would have been happy to attend one Super Bowl. Tom and 3 of his Alpha buddies Andrew Hicks, Robert Dansby and Saul Davis attended 15 Super Bowls. The last one was in 2020 where he got to see his favorite team the Kansas City Chiefs, play and win a Super Bowl!! He is survived by his wife Vera, son Courtney and sister Donna Kaye Hazelrig. He leaves to morn his immediate family, a host of friends, and relatives A Memorial Service will be held August 20, 2022,11:00am at St James UMC 5540 Wayne Ave KCMO. Alpha Omega Ceremonial 10:30am. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel, KS. Condolences may be shared on our website. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Thomas Phillips, please visit our floral store. Read More

Mr. Thomas Phillips

April 11, 1945 - July 28, 2022