HEAVEN IS SHINING A LOT BRIGHTER
Richard L. Phillips “Dick” was born January 20, 1944 in Evansville, Indiana. At approximately 2:00am on August 6, 2020 he was called home to our heavenly father and gained his angel wings.
Dick proudly served 20 years in the United States Navy and retired out as an E6 Tug-Master. He always held the utmost respect for our service men and women. After his military service years he worked a variety of different professions including Captain of the Port for San Diego, a Fuel Technician for Soco Gasoline and Sycuan Casino. At Sycuan he worked as Lieutenant of Security before moving into the casino and becoming the Casino Floor Manager. After 17+ years of working at Sycuan Casino he went to full retirement. It was during his career at Sycuan that he met his wife Therese that he called his “Tootsie Wootsie”.
A beloved husband, father and grand-father, he was a man who could light up any room. With his old sailor personality and dirty jokes he was sure to make anyone smile. His laugh was infectious and his smile was pure. He was a man of Catholic faith and he always stayed true to himself. He did anything for anyone, and found an immense amount of joy and pleasure in doing things for others.
Dick was a giant kid a heart. He loved to shop and had an array of watches and tools that we called his “collector’s items”. In his spare time, he enjoyed sitting back in his chair watching old west movies, anything kung-fu and believe it or not he loved the MTV show Ridiculousness. He enjoyed building large scale model ships which are still proudly displayed in his home. He loved places like Disneyland and SeaWorld and found the most joy taking his children and grand-children and spoiling them while eating a frozen chocolate banana.
Dick is survived by his beautiful wife Therese Phillips as well as his children Richard Phillips, Kathleen Farmer, Charles Phillips, James Farmer, Melissa Hayes and husband Art Hayes and Kristen Beron and husband Kenneth Beron. His grand-children Angela Farmer, Sarah Hernandez, Forest Hernandez, Joshua Lopez, Nathan Farmer, Paige Beron, Beau Beron and Karsen Beron. Great grandchildren Zoie Rhome, Bristol Digby & Hailee Digby.
Dick will be laid to rest on Monday, August 17, 2020. A formal catholic mass will be held in his honor at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Santee, California at 11:00am. Following the mass, he will be transported to his final resting place, Miramar National Cemetery where he will be celebrated with full honors.