Philips

Homer Gordon Philips passed away peacefully, in the loving embrace of his wife, Carol, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, at their winter home in Naples, Fla.

He was born Aug. 6, 1938, in Butler, to Roy Philips and Margaret Fleming Philips. Homer was the last remaining member of his family, including Roy Philips Jr., Ronald Philips, Harold Philips and Evelyn Philips Ewing.

Homer was a graduate of Butler High School, Class of 1956. He joined the U.S. Army and served at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii. After completing his service to our country, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Carol Miller. Shortly after, Homer graduated from Slippery Rock University and embarked on a full career with both Armco/AK Steel and Thyssen Automotive Steel.

Homer and Carol started their marriage of 63 years in Butler, moved to East Grand Rapids, and established their family in Birmingham, Mich. Summers were filled with happy times at Orchard Lake Country Club and cottage life in Harbor Springs, Mich.

Homer and Carol are the proud parents of Beth Philips Fisher (Michael) of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., and Robert William Philips (Kara Trott) of Columbus, Ohio.

They were blessed with six wonderful grandchildren, Michael Fisher Jr., Emilia Fisher Riordan (John), Alexa Fisher Krebs (Philip), Gordon Philips Fisher, John Stanford Philips (Gabrielle) and Katherine Littlefield Philips. Affectionately known as “Grampy,” Homer was active and engaging with each in his own special way. In 2023, Homer and Carol were lovingly introduced to their first great-grandchild, John Michael Riordan Jr.

For the last 19 years, his loving dog, Oscar, provided dedicated companionship for Homer. They loved playing ball and taking long walks. They were inseparable!

Homer loved the outdoors, especially walking, skiing and bicycling. He loved cooking and making homemade bread, beef stew and always the Thanksgiving turkey, to name a few. He and Carol enjoyed music and dancing and loved socializing with their close friends. Homer greeted everyone with a warm smile and a firm handshake.

He was blessed to be loved by many and will be missed forever.

Rest in peace!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to Dachshund Rescue South Florida at dachshundrescuesouthflorida.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.