Jan. 21, 1945 — April 9, 2015

Dennis D. Phillips, 70, of Marcellus, Michigan died with his family gathered around his bed at 11:25 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2015, at The Timbers of Cass County in Dowagiac, Michigan following a brief illness.

He was born on Jan. 21, 1945, in Dowagiac to Gail Benton and Elizabeth June (Sibley) Phillips. He was graduated from Dowagiac High School, and has lived in Cass County all of his life. He was employed as an operator for the Cass County Road Commission for a remarkable forty-one years prior to his retirement in 2009.

Dennis was a member of the Southwest Michigan Flywheelers Association and owned and operated a Minneapolis Moline UB tractor. He participated in the Cass County Fair every year, showing his tractor with the Flywheelers, and at the tractor pulling event he both competed with his “Minnie-Moe” and then operated the grader to smooth the track. He also enjoyed swap meets for tractor parts throughout the area.

He was formerly married to Anita Polomcak, and was preceded in death by a sister, Marcia Ferguson.

Surviving family includes his children, Daren Phillips of Marcellus and Katherine (& Mickey) Jones of Decatur, Michigan; grandchildren Kassandra Hinch, James Hinch, Kellsie Phillips, and Seth Jones; and Dennis’ siblings, Kathleen New of Marcellus, Bonita Phillips of Dowagiac, Darrell Phillips of Mattawan, Michigan, Becky Phillips of Marcellus, and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Dennis Phillips will be gathering privately to honor his life and share memories. Contributions in memory of Dennis may be made to the Cass County Fair. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, Michigan.

www.halbritterfunerals.com