In Memory

Roger Phillips

Roger M. Phillips, 72, died Saturday, June 28, 2014, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Roger was born Dec. 27, 1941, in Kansas City, MO. He attended Southeast High School where he served as junior and senior class president. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia on a football scholarship, playing for the Tigers under Coach Dan Devine on legendary teams that won the Orange Bowl in 1960 and Blue Bonnet Bowl in 1962. He received his bachelor's degree in economics and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He attended law school at UMKC, where he received his J.D. and later an LLM in corporate and commercial law. Roger was drafted in 1967 and spent four years in the Army. He received a direct commission as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, for which he was stationed one year in Virginia and three years in Germany, where he also served as a military judge for the Special Court Martial. Following his military service, Roger built a successful career in private practice representing small businesses and their owners in corporate, real estate, and estate planning matters. In addition to his law practice, he served on the boards of directors of Camp Fire Heartland and the Kansas City chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association. He was also a member of the MU Jefferson Club and Tiger Club and the Plaza Breakfast Club. Roger was respected by his clients and colleagues, loved by his family and friends, and revered by fellow Mizzou fans, not only for his own exploits on the field but also for his enduring loyalty and support for the Tigers. He was a generous friend with a quick wit and a love of sports, particularly tennis, skiing, golf, and hunting, all which enriched the friendships he treasured. Roger is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Patricia Robinson Phillips; their daughters, Megan Phillips and Molly Holberton; grandchildren, Leo Phillips-Breton and Alex, Liza, and Ben Holberton; his sister, Martha McCracken; and his nephew, Sean Houlihan. Despite the demands of his profession, Roger made time to coach his daughters' soccer teams, watch their tennis tournaments, and attend countless performances. He adored his grandchildren and imparted to them his love of sports, sense of humor, and natural charisma. His legacy will continue through everyone who knew him. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W. 47th St., Kansas City. A reception will follow at Indian Hills Country Club, 6847 Tomahawk Rd, Mission Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Tiger Scholarship Fund or the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Published in Kansas City Star,  July 2, 2014 



 
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07/02/14 08:20 AM #1    

Julia Elmore (Amies)

My sincerest condolences to Roger's lovely wife and his family.


07/02/14 06:06 PM #2    

Tom Johnson

We will all miss our true friend and classmate.  He was special and I will 

always think about our friendship.


07/03/14 12:49 PM #3    

Linda Thompson (Ackerman)

I will miss seeing Roger at our Reunion Planning Sessions.  He was a good guy, started kindergarten with him at Blenheim Grade School.  He also was baptized & joined Memorial Christian Church in the mid 50's where I belonged from the time I was two until I was 28.  My condolences to Patty & family during these difficult time.


07/03/14 04:31 PM #4    

JoAnne Betts (Kelley)

I will miss Roger.  We go back to Blenhiem days.  My deepest sympathy to Patty and his two daughters. JoAnne


07/04/14 05:36 PM #5    

Judi Young (Knapp)

Roger always made me feel good. I will miss him. There will be a big empty spot at our 55th reunion.

07/05/14 05:15 AM #6    

Ruby Lee Snider

I, too, remember Roger from Blenheim through Southeast.  He was fun with a great sense of humor and sportsmanship and I, too, will miss him at this next reunion.  My sympathies to his wife and family.

 

 


07/05/14 11:54 AM #7    

Marilyn Hammon (Wheeler)

So sorry for the loss of Roger.  He was a great guy and will be missed.  Thoughts and prayers for his wife and family.


07/06/14 12:27 PM #8    

Donna Pennington (Ponick)

Patty and Family:  My sincere sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Roger.  Roger and I started kindergarten together and went through high school.  He was on our committee for the reunion and when we all met we would talk about old times and what fun we all had growing up.  Roger will be missed by all at the 55th and always.


08/22/14 07:21 AM #9    

Chuck Sykes

Roger was a good friend.  Also a great person. I can't think of anyone you didn't like Roger. Him and I and Tom Johnson just played golf together about 8 months ago. Had a great time. I will miss him alot.                             Charlie Sykes


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