Angus Keith Phillips

Angus Keith Phillips, 96, of Shawneetown, Ill., passed away quietly Sunday, May 4, 2014 in Carmi, after an extended illness.  Keith, as he was known, was born in Moccasin, Ill. to Rev. Angus Brady and Sena Alma (Null) Phillips on May 15, 1917, the fourth of seven children.  He was a wonderful story teller and enjoyed recounting how he and Ella May Brookmeyer eloped and were married by the Rev. Walter I. Munday on Friday, April 1, 1938 in Henderson, Ky.  He devoted sixty-two years of marriage to her before she passed away on September 19, 2000.  Keith fathered two sons, Marvin Wayne  and Albert Keith “A.K.”, prior to his entry into the U.S. Army in 1943.  He valiantly served in the 9th Infantry Division during World War II in 1944-45, fighting the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and in Ramagen Germany.  Serving as first scout, he was captured by German soldiers and escaped all three times.  He earned numerous medals and citations including a presidential citation, a purple heart, and a bronze star.  Upon returning home, Keith held several jobs until his appointment as Postmaster in Shawneetown, in which he served for twenty plus years.  He also served on the Shawneetown Port Authority along side other generous civic leaders who helped Shawneetown prosper in the post war years.  He was well-known in his community for always having a variety of pets and livestock including a pony, chickens, rabbits, goldfish & guppies, and numerous caged birds, as well as raising and showing several champion pigeons and wire-haired dachshunds.  He was an accomplished flower and vegetable gardener and an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed sharing his catches and produce with numerous friends and relatives.  Keith was well known and loved by his extended family and enjoyed attending Phillips family reunions and making apple butter with friends and family in Kinmundy, Ill.  He is survived and celebrated by his sons; A.K. Phillips of Shawneetown, Marvin and Kay Phillips of Hurst, Tex.; two grandchildren, Mike Phillips of Westmont, Karen and Scott Mueller of Warrensburg, Mo.; one great grandson, Michael Keith Mueller.  Visitation for Keith will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown.  Funeral service at the chapel on Friday, May 9, 2014 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Lillian Phillips officiating.  Burial will be at Westwood Cemetery with Military Rites by Ridgway American Legion Post #596 with Military Honors Team.  Internet condolences may be made at the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.