Howard Douglas Phillips

Howard Douglas Phillips

Born: February 2, 1934 in Bristol, Virginia to the late Georgia Guiselman and Lee Phillips

Death: December 3, 2024 in Fairborn, Ohio

Howard and his family moved to the MacPherson Town part of Dayton when he was a young child and he soon became one of the top delivery boys for the Dayton Daily News from the age of 10 until graduating from Fairview High School in 1952. Howard was quite the athlete during his younger years excelling at Optimist Club baseball. At the age of 20 he was accepted into the Aviation Cadet USAF Preflight School at Harlingen AFB, Texas. This was the beginning of a long and outstanding career as a master navigator/bombardier in the United States Air Force where Howard was the recipient of numerous awards and medals to include the Vietnam Service Medal, Marksmanship, and the Bronze Star. He was stationed at several bases in the US and also on the island of Guam. Sixteen years of his career were spent in Strategic Air Command (SAC). After serving a year in Vietnam at MACV Headquarters, he concluded his service at K.I. Sawyer AFB in Michigan. In 1974, Howard retired after 20 years reaching the rank of Major.

Relocating to the Dayton area upon his retirement, Howard was employed as a business manager for an industrial laundry company until 1996. After picking up the game of golf during his military career, he became an integral member of the Blitz Golf Group at Wright Patterson AFB. This sport became his greatest hobby where he achieved his personal best of “69” and made four holes in one (three of those at WPAFB). Howard received many trophies for his outstanding ability on the golf course and continued to play well into his 80’s.  

With such a wonderful life, what more could a man want? For sixty-six years he was married to his soulmate and one true love, raised two cherished children, doted on two loving grandchildren, and welcomed two devoted son-in-laws. He was our chef, gardener, sports enthusiast, cheerleader, animal lover, and best Papa. Howard remained loyal to the Cincinnati Reds, the Cleveland Browns, and THE Ohio State University Buckeyes. He will be forever loved and always missed. With a clear mind and sound body, we envision him playing the back nine in heaven while his son drives the cart, bourbon in hand.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, brother Alger Phillips, and son Brent D. Phillips. He is survived by his wife Anita M. Phillips, son- in-law Tony Chaffin, daughter Natalie (Kerry) Reeser, granddaughter Mackenzie (Graham) Conaboy, and grandson Logan Mills. He is also survived by many loving family members and friends. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Trinity Community of Fairborn for the love, kindness and care shown to Howard this past year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation POBox 40726 Nashville, TN 37204 or give online at www.garysinisefoundation.org .

Services will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church located at 456 Woodman Drive in Dayton, Ohio. Family will receive friends at 11:00 with a service beginning at 12:00. All are invited to join the family for a reception at The Hope Hotel and Conference Center next to WPAFB. Interment will follow at The National Cemetery in Dayton on Monday, January 6, 2025.