Danny Martin Phillips

Danny Martin Phillips, age 76, of Epworth, Missouri passed away February 5, 2020.  He was born January 28, 1944 to Daniel Gwynne and Velma Louise (Hubbard) Phillips. He was married on July 17, 1966 to Janice Dawkins. She survives.

He was the father of four daughters, Bendy (Scott) Vanskike, Shani (Mark) Kempker, Tami (Hal) Liller and Tonia (Arron) Bramblett and one son, Daniel Eric.

Danny was PaPa to Michaela (Jesse) Christoffer, Taylor (friend Clay Kiser)Vanskike, Travis Kempker, Trent Kempker, Shay’la (Sandesh) Kannan, Chade Liller, Alex Bramblett, Emily Bramblett and Lauren Bramblett; two great- granddaughters, Whitley and Ember Christoffer. He is survived by one sister, Ida Jo (Alan) Staples.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Daniel Eric Phillips (November 14, 2019) and a niece, Gwynna White.

Danny graduated from Bethel High School and worked as a mechanic at Rainey’s Garage in Epworth, and Smith and Hartgrove’s Garage in Shelbina until serving a tour of duty as a soldier in Vietnam in 1968.

He started Phillip’s Small Engine in 1974 in Epworth, which he continued until a couple of years ago. He also assisted his wife with her business, Phillip’s Ice Cream in Shelbyville.

He had a reputation of being able to fix absolutely anything. We always joked he could fix Humpty Dumpty if he wanted.

Danny was a member of the Bethel Christian Church. He will be remembered as a wonderful and loving husband, Dad and Papa. He will be dearly missed.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina, Missouri. Visitation started at 12 p.m. A private family burial was at Pleasant Prairie Cemetery, northwest of Bethel, Missouri immediately following the service. The family feels very blessed and memorials are not necessary. Everyone’s kindness has been overwhelming.