Vernon A. Phillips 1920—2016Vernon A. Phillips, 96, of Lena, died Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Presence St. Joseph Center in Freeport. He was born on May 13, 1920 at home in Waddams Twp. to Clyde and Alice (Hardel) Phillips. He married Eleanor Buss in Lena, January 30, 1941. She preceded him in death on March 31, 2006 after 65 years of marriage. Vernon was a lifelong farmer, almost all of it in Waddams Twp. He was civically active serving on numerous committees and church boards. He was a Farm Bureau board member and served 57 years on the Greenwood Cemetery board. He was township assessor in Waddams Twp. and started the Waddams Wildcats 4-H Club as its first leader. He is survived by his daughter, Marquita (Tom) Bannon of Palmyra, MO and his son, Paul (Valerie Wick) Phillips and their 3 children, Michael (Rhonda) Phillips, their daughter, Kaylie (Scott) Hammer and their daughter Jaden. Also, Krista (Kevin) Repa and their sons, Landon, Owen, and Ryker. Also, step-son Jeff (Michelle) Weegens and their children, Allison, Sydney, Cohen, and Carson. Paul and Valerie's son, Scott (Donna) Phillips and their children, Bradly (Kaylee) Phillips and their daughter Madelyn, Daughter, Samantha (Shawn) Smith and their children, Levi and Ellie. Paul and Valerie's daughter, Rebecca (Scott) Vorwald, her son Tyler Riem and Becca and Scott's children, Evan and Channing Vorwald. All of Paul and Val's family are from the Lena area.There will be a gathering time Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 1:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in McConnell. A time of fellowship will immediately follow the service. The family wants to give special thanks to Dr. Tawfik's staff, Presence St. Joe's, and everyone at Oakly Courts for all of their care and caring. Vernon donated his body to science and wishes, in lieu of flowers, that Memorials be given for FHN Hospice, Stephenson County 4-H, or the McConnell United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.