Robert Preston Phillips

MONONA/HARRISON, ARK.-Robert Preston “R.P.” Phillips, age 95, of Monona, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge, Madison. He was born July 7, 1919, in Bellefonte, Ark., the son of Pat and Jo (McKinney) Phillips. R.P. married Irma McCollum on Nov. 1, 1946. R.P. served in the Army as a bread baker in India and Burma during World War II, and retired from a long time position as civilian instructor at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Ill., in 1980. He loved reading, puzzles, walking, and telling stories about his life. In retirement he learned to ride a motorcycle, moved back to Harrison, and enjoyed cycling until the age of 75. He moved to Monona in 2007. R.P. is survived by his wife, Irma; daughter, Beverly Phillips of Madison; son, Roger Phillips of Madison; grandchildren, McKenzie, Damian, Abner and Ellen; and great-grandchildren, Talin, Gaige, Ada and Forest. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Frank, Willard and Wallace. Funeral services will be held at the MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Road, Monona, at 2:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 7, 2015, with the Rev. Brad VanFossen presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery, Harrison, Ark. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to No More Malaria, c/o Monona United Methodist Church, or to the Oakwood Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.