On October 26, 2024, Mark E. Phillips, age 62, went to be reunited with the love of his life to spend the rest of eternity together.
On October 26, 2024, Mark E. Phillips, age 62, went to be reunited with the love of his life to spend the rest of eternity together.
Born September 1, 1962, in Lawrenceville, Illinois, Mark attended and graduated from Lawrenceville High School. While there he made lifelong friends, whether through football, wrestling or friendships born of common interests.
In 1988, he welcomed his only child, Heather, into the world. He spent all of his life working around the oil field. He worked along side his dad Ralph and for a short time his brother Matt. There he learned life lessons and some tough love from his dad such as, “wash that cut with gasoline, wrap some tape on it and get back to work.” He also worked at the Marathon Oil Refinery in Robinson before becoming fully self-employed with his dad. He made many friends during his time in the oil field. He taught many lessons and gave advice, whether good or bad, to the many men he hired as right hands. Anyone who knew Mark could not help but like him and his sense of humor. He never met a stranger in his life.
November 11, 1995, he married his soulmate Teresa. They spent 19 loving and wonderful years together before her passing in 2015. After Pioneer Oil shut down, Teresa went to work with Mark in the oil field. He would always give her a hard time and say she was the worst free help he’s ever had. Most Friday nights they could be found at a friend’s house playing Euchre and drinking cold beer. Mark was incredibly talented with his hands. If Teresa could imagine it, he could build it for her. This was shown with the extensive Christmas display that was in their yard every year. He didn’t always love Christmas but when he met Teresa, she didn’t give him a choice.
In 2015 Mark’s first biological grandchild was born. Easton stole his grandpa’s heart the moment Mark held him. His heart already had love for his son-in-law’s daughter, Sophia. The two of them became Mark’s world after losing Teresa.
In June of 2019, Mark got to hold his second granddaughter, Ellyson, for the first time. Those three kids became his everything. There wasn’t a time they didn’t go to grandpa’s and get candy, snacks or chips specifically bought for them. He spent his retirement years going to baseball games, soccer games and spoiling the grandkids as much as he could.
Mark left behind a legacy whether he meant to or not. His family and friends will always remember him through stories and cherished memories. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Mark was preceded in death by his wife Teresa, his parents Ralph and Gerry Ann Phillips and several aunts and uncles.
Those who are left to keep his memory alive are his daughter Heather and her husband Jordan, their three kids Ellyson, Easton and Sophia. Also surviving are his brother Matt and his wife Michelle, along with one niece, three nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Cunningham Funeral Home in Bridgeport from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Bridgeport City Cemetery. Cunningham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to Cunningham Funeral Home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
