Richard P. Phillips, age 81, of Morton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Born on July 26, 1944, in Peoria, Illinois, Rich was the youngest of four children born to Ernest Lester and Eva Marie Phillips. After attending Washington High School, Rich married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Driver, and went to work for Steamfitters Local 353, beginning his career working for his father, Ernest L. Phillips.

Rich and his brother and brothers-in-law later founded General Piping/General Power Construction in East Peoria, from which he eventually retired in 1999. Throughout his career, Rich was known and respected by owners, engineers, craft personnel, and even competing contractors throughout the heavy industrial and power generation construction industry. He earned a reputation for excellence in certified welding, heavy rigging, and cylindrical shop fabrication.

Beyond his professional life, Rich was a man of many passions. He loved classic muscle cars, restoring old tractors, maintaining his country property, and raising, training, hunting, and competing with coonhounds and Labrador Retrievers, two of which won National Field Trial Championships.

More than anything, Rich dedicated his life to his family, never missing a day of work (except for an occasional hunting day), and always working incredibly hard to provide safety, security, and everything his family needed, while setting an example for his children and grandchildren to follow.

Rich is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Ruth; his children, Todd, Richard (Angie), and Rodney; his grandchildren, Ashton, Caitlin, and Caylee; and multiple great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his beloved sisters, Mary Ann (Jake) Cashdollar and Marjory (Jack) Kuntz, as well as many close friends.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents and his dear brother, Ernest C. (Ernie) Phillips, whom he deeply admired, loved, and remained close to throughout his life.

Those who knew Rich will remember him as a man of unwavering integrity, exceptional work ethic, and quiet generosity who could always be counted on when family, friends, or coworkers needed help.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until noon on the same day. Interment will follow at Glendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.