Donald William “Bill” Phillips, a long-haul trucker and Illinois resident, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa. He was 91 years old and lived in Media, Illinois.
A Life on the Road and in the Community
Born on July 24, 1934, in Mount Sterling, Illinois, Mr. Phillips was the son of Roy Arthur and Helen Evans Phillips. He graduated from Stronghurst High School in 1954 and soon embarked on a career as an over-the-road truck driver. Throughout his career, he drove for Truck Transport Company of Fort Madison, Iowa, Stronghurst Grain & Merchandise, and Nortrup Petroleum of Stronghurst.
After retiring from trucking, Mr. Phillips continued working for 15 years at Farm King in Burlington. He was a member of both the Burlington Eagles Lodge and the Burlington Moose Lodge, and enjoyed fishing, boating, and tending to his yard. He also valued time spent with his family.
Family and Legacy
Mr. Phillips is survived by three daughters: Patti (Neal) Avery of Media, Illinois; Vicky Trujillo of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Rita (Matt Brown) Phillips of Arlington, Texas. He is also survived by two sons, Ronald (Yolanda) Phillips of Denver, Colorado, and William (Kathy) Phillips of Springfield, Missouri, as well as 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Theo, one daughter, Judy Gaylord, two granddaughters, Jennifer and Stacey, two sons-in-law, Darrol Gaylord and Cliff Trujillo, and four brothers: Jack, Jim, Jerry, and Bobby Phillips.
Funeral Arrangements
A funeral service for Mr. Phillips will be held at 11:00 a.m. On Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, Illinois, with Steve Minkler officiating. Burial will follow at Carman Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. Until the time of the service. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Bill Phillips’ profession for most of his life?
Bill Phillips was an over-the-road truck driver for most of his life, working for companies including Truck Transport Company, Stronghurst Grain & Merchandise, and Nortrup Petroleum.
Where did Bill Phillips pass away?
Bill Phillips passed away on Monday, February 9, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
What organizations was Bill Phillips a member of?
Bill Phillips was a member of the Burlington Eagles Lodge and the Burlington Moose Lodge.
What does it mean to build a life that spans nearly a century, touching so many family members and contributing to local communities through work and civic engagement?
