Melvin Leonard Phillips died July 15, 2022. Melvin was born on December 24, 1941, in San Diego, California to Leonard William Phillips and Lois Katherine Withers. Melvin was the oldest of 22 siblings. When he was in his sophomore year in high school his father left his mother. He was then the man of the house and he left school and went to work to help support the family. Later when he turned 18, Melvin joined the US Army and gained his GED. That was in the year of 1960. Melvin saw a young lady who lived across the street from him in Blackfoot Idaho and her name was Afton Marie Smith and he said that she was going to be his wife. They were married on March 23, 1961. Melvin traveled a great deal while in the service. Melvin and Afton welcomed their first child in Fort Hood, Texas who was born Barry Keith Phillips. Then Melvin was sent to Germany and in Fulda, Germany came their second child Dennis Adam Phillips. Melvin was then sent to Washington to place his small but growing family at Fort Lewis and along came their next child Christine Phillips. It was here that Melvin went to Vietnam 4 tours in total in Vietnam. The family then moved to Fort Ord where Melvin was assigned as a drill instructor. During this time another Phillips member arrived Jason Melvin. Then the family moved again to Bamberg, Germany where Hollyanne was born. Then they returned to the states and was stationed in Ft. Riley, Kansas and the birth of their 6th child Jared Asael joined the Phillips clan. Then in 1980 Melvin retired from the US Army and the family moved to Porterville, California and was blessed with their last child Andrew David Phillips. It was as this point that the family grew, and several moved out to make their way in the world and Melvin gained and education at the local college in Carpentry and Contractor licenses. He moved not long after that to Lindsey. California to continue in carpentry work. However, it was difficult to live in California at this time they moved to Moreland, Idaho. It was at this time that Melvin and Afton separated and divorced in 1992.

Melvin found work everywhere and began repairing many areas in the Blackfoot township and he met Glenda Rae Scott Kraeger. They lived together for 23 years, and Melvin built many areas of the community that he lived. He helped Glenda put additions to her home and then helped to work her 5-acre Ranch.

Melvin enjoyed carpentry above all else, fishing, camping, late night lightening strike shows, traveling and time with his family. His children were always important to him, and he made sure to always call on their birthdays, send a card or just give a kind word of encouragement. Melvin was a wonderful father, friend, mentor and patriot. He will be missed but loved by all.
Melvin was the oldest of 22 brothers and sisters. His mother remarried after Leonard left and married Mike Plumisto. He lost 5 of his brothers, sisters, and parents. George (Joyce) Phillips, Glenn (Ida) Phillips, Debbie (Anthony) Blackhart, Chuck (Tammy) Plumisto, and Sheryl Woodward, Leonard Phillips, Lois Withers Phillips Plumisto, and one grandson Welles Welch and one granddaughter Caroline Fynck. His living brothers and sisters are Marsha (Bill) Long of Cedaredge, CO, Marvus (Florence) Phillips of San Francisco, CA, Lenita Schofield of Carson City, NV, Terry (Darline) Phillips of Dallas, TX, Dwayne (Rebecca) Plumisto of Colby, KS, Mikel (Louann) Plumisto of Colby, KS, Dale Plumisto of Colby, KS , Cathy (Ross) Carney of Colby KS, Mickey Miller of Colby, KS, Kelly Marker of Colby, KS, Lois (Kurtis) Armstrong of Goodland KS, Charlene Plumisto of Jennings, KS, Roy Plumisto Golden, CO, Gene Plumisto of Brighton, CO , David Plumisto, of Fort Lupton, CO, Lynette Plumisto of Colby, KS. His grandchildren will miss him too. Michael White of California, Joseph Guy Phillips of Idaho, Aaron (Adrianna) Phillips of California, Shawn Phillips of Texas, and Shane Phillips of California, Callie Camacho of California, Eric Phillips of Colorado, David Phillips of Idaho, Rebecca Phillips of Wyoming, Brent Phillips of Idaho, Craig Phillips of South Dakota, Alan Phillips of Kansas, Amber Fynck of Idaho, Crystal Barrientos of Idaho, Brandon (Alex) Phillips of Wyoming, Joseph Phillips of Wyoming, Benjamin Phillips of Wyoming, Jacqueline Phillips of Wyoming, Jazmine Phillips of Wyoming, Forrest Welch of New Hampshire, Hunter Welch of New Hampshire, and Archer Wilson of New Hampshire. He was also blessed to have 22 great grandchildren Emily Alise Phillips, Gracey Fayth Phillips, Serenity Breanne Phillips, Layla Leanne Phillips, Nakita Phillips, Damian Phillips, Jaydain Cole Phillips, Connor Fynck, Charlotte Fynck, Carson Fynck, Cayden Fynck, Emmett Barrientos, and Dallas Barrientos and Zachary Barrientos. Also, hundreds of nieces and nephews all over the United States who all knew the leader of this large village.

A graveside service will be held at the grave of Melvin Leonard Phillips in the Blackfoot veteran’s cemetery in Blackfoot Idaho. There will also be a graveside service and 21-gun salute at the Beulah Cemetery by the Phillips, Plumisto site in Colby Kansas. A dedicated sight to a man who worked the land and now he will be laid in the land that he loved to work on.

Our appreciation goes to Hawker Funeral Home for there help during a really difficult time. Also, we would like to thank Baalmann Mortuary, in Colby, Kansas for making Melvin’s final wish come to pass. Dedication of the grave will be done in both locations.