Obituary Hershel R. Phillips
Mr. Hershel R. Phillips, a long time resident of Farmersville, passed away at 5:50 A.M., Tuesday, January 13th, 2015.
Hershel was born June 9th, 1923, at Farmersville, Texas, to Hubert and Florence Phillips. During his early years he resided at Blue Ridge and attended Sulphur Springs High School. He graduated in 1941. After the start of World War II Hershel enlisted in the United States Army on October 27th, 1942. During the war he was assigned to the 492d Fighter Bomber Wing of the 9th Air Corps. Deployed to the European Theater he served in the Air Offensive Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe Campaigns. He was awarded the European Campaign Medal with six Bronze Stars, the French Croix de Guerre, the Army Good Conduct Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Victory in Europe Medal. During his service he attained the rank of sergeant. At the war’s end he was discharged on September 14th, 1945.
Hershel returned to Farmersville after his discharge and began his civilian career. Initially, he owned and operated a jewelry and watch repair store in Wylie. It was during these years that he met and married the love of his life Miss Ruth Bowden. They married on June 9th, 1946, and established their residence in Farmersville where they would reside for the next sixty eight plus years. In 1951, he commenced employment with E Systems later Raytheon Corporation. After thirty- four years of service Hershel retired in 1985. In retirement they passionately pursued his hobby of restoring antique cars and travelled to visit family members until advancing age and illness forced them to restrict their activities.
Hershel was preceded in death by his parents, a brother J.T., and his sister Wanda. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are being arranged by Hurst’s Fielder Baker Funeral Home of Farmersville. The Reverend John Foster, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Farmersville, will be officiating the service.
Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2015 at the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Farmersville, Tx.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the First Baptist Church of Farmersville’s Senior Adult Ministry, The Ball Club.