John "Dave" D. Phillips

John D. Phillips (Dave), 90, of Humboldt, Nebraska, was born on February 24, 1935, to Howard and Mary (Lionberger) Phillips. He was raised on the family farm north of Humboldt, attended country school, and graduated from Bratton Union High School with the class of 1952. On May 27, 1954, Dave joined the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged at Fort Ord, California, May 26, 1956.  He later joined the Humboldt Legion Club Post 269 as a member for several years.

After returning to the farm and facing a drought, he started driving a bus for Humboldt Schools. During that time, he met his future wife Betty when she rode the bus to school. On August 28, 1960, Dave and Betty Workman were united in marriage at the Christian Church. To this union three children, David "Lynn," Doug, and Brenda were born.  Dave continued full time with the family farm. He joined the Humboldt Rural Fire Board, and in 1979 he joined the Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department where he served for more than 35 years. His family had three generations of firefighters: Dave, son Doug, and grandson Trent and wife Tiffany.

One of his hobbies included obtaining a private pilot's license in the early 80's and being a member of the Sabetha Flying Club for several years. He enjoyed flying family and friends on pleasure trips and to different destinations, sometimes giving them a thrill with a side roll.

Dave was also a member of the Humboldt Christian Church where he served as deacon, elder, and on various committees. He continued farming up to the spring of 2025 when his health declined, and he had a brief stay at Colonial Acres in Humboldt. Dave passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025, having reached the earthly age of ninety years, two months, and eleven days.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law Duane Workman and Don Workman; sisters-in-law Mary Ann, Verlyn, and Connie.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of sixty-four years Betty Phillips of rural Humboldt; sons, David "Lynn" and wife Melissa of Clayton, IN; Doug Phillips of  Humboldt; daughter Brenda Hester and husband Brian of Lincoln, NE; eight grandchildren: Dustin Phillips and wife Kristen, Mathew Phillips, Madison Bailey and husband Carson, Trent Phillips and wife Tiffany, Katie Wilson and husband Charlie, Mandy Bowen and husband Quentin; Aden Hester, Tayler Hester and wife Emily; seven great-grandchildren: Nathaniel, Paul, Charlotte, Levi, Lillian, Bradyn, and Evelyn; brother Wayne Phillips and niece Jennifer Phillips of Tacoma, WA; nephew Jon Phillips and wife Arminda and their daughter Scout of Seattle, WA; brother-in-law Eldon Workman and wife Vickie of Tulsa, OK; sister-in-law Evelyn Workman of Kingsburg, CA; many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Dave will be greatly missed, and let's hope heaven has combines, firetrucks, fields of corn, and cattle.

A Private Memorial Service with the immediate family will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Humboldt Fire Department Foundation.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 Nemaha St-Humboldt, Nebraska 68376 (402) 862-2915

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