Dr. Hugh M. Phillips

Memorial services for Hugh M. Phillips, D. V. M of Henderson, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at South Main Church of Christ with Brothers Jay Lockhart and Bob Payne officiating. Family will receive friends following the services at the church. Hugh M Phillips, D. V. M. was born May 31, 1920 in Gilmer, Texas; he was one of four sons and two daughters of Otis J. and Mary Clyde Smith Phillips. He graduated Gilmer Ward Elementary School as the class salutatorian. Graduating as a "Buckeye" from Gilmer High School in 1938 and entered Texas A &M College graduating from there in October 1943 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Dr. Phillips enlisted that same week in the U.S Army Medical Corp, Veterinary Department, entering with the rank of First Lieutenant. His duty assignments included stations in Brooklyn, New York, Baltimore, Maryland and Fort Myer, Virginia. While in Fort Myer, he received notice that Gen. Ike Eisenhower's wife, Mamie, was bringing her three Scottish Terriers. Captain Phillips had a very nice visit with Mrs. Eisenhower. After being discharged in October 1946, Dr. Phillips worked as a Veterinarian ten months in Shreveport, La., at the Dixie Garden Veterinary Hospital. In 1947 he moved to Henderson, Texas and began his practice of Veterinarian Medicine on North Marshall Street at Phillips Animal Clinic, which he continued until his retirement in 1985. It was in Henderson that he met his bride Miss Jo Burnaman where she worked at the local Montgomery Ward's. On July 17, 1949 they were married at the home of the Bride's parents in Nacogdoches. They were married for 63 years. Dr. Phillips was active in his community and church, serving as deacon at South Main Church of Christ, and served as chairman of the Benevolence Committee, and Senior Citizens Committee. Other organizations of which he was a member include: Rusk County Chamber of Commerce; American Veterinary Medicine Association; Texas Veterinary Medicine Association; East Texas Veterinary Medicine Association; Henderson chapter of the Texas A & M Club; Henderson Lions Club (65 Year Monarch); the Depot Museum; Rusk County Historical Commission; Rusk County Heritage Association. He also took care of his old home place, which was a labor of love and a very rewarding experience for him.His family grieves his passing but give thanks to God for his long and healthy life, the remarkable gifts he possessed, and the great love he bestowed on his family. Doc was a man of deep faith, speaking frequently of his gratitude for the Lord's many blessings in his life.He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Mary Clyde Phillips; and daughter, Sarah Anne Cobb.Survivors include: his wife, Jo Phillips of Henderson; daughter, Melanie Taylor and husband John of Henderson; son-in-law, Brian Cobb of College Station; four grandchildren, Blake Taylor, Adam Taylor, Stephanie Cobb Langwell and husband Matthew, and Elizabeth Anne Cobb; and several nieces and nephews.Pallbearers are Blake Taylor, Adam Taylor, Dr. Phil Woodall, John Taylor, Brian Cobb. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Lions Club.Memorial contributions may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, PO Box 199300, Dallas, Tx 75219-9842, or Eastern European Mission, PO Box 670928, Dallas, Tx 75367-0928, or the charity of your choice.Condolences may be made online at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Dr. Hugh M. Phillips

May 23, 1920 - March 23, 2013