Larned – Gerald LeClair Phillips, 77, died March 27, 2013 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned.

He was born January 15, 1936, at Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Blain Henry and Meriba June Meik Phillips. A lifetime area resident, he was a Special Education Teacher for Tri County Services for 20 years. He enjoyed reading, genealogy, art, collected coins and stamps, and liked classic books.

He belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he was very active. He served in a church Mission in Uruguay, South America, served in the United States Army for 27 years, retiring as a CW3. He also served in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Boy Scouts of America, where he received the Silver Beaver Award and was a big advocate for the Special Olympics.

On May 4, 1960, he married Maria Hilda Arriola Phillips at Salt Lake City, Utah. She survives.

Other survivors include: two sons, Gerald Blain (Ramona), Mark David both of Larned; two daughters, Crystal Kim (Chrys) Phillips, Larned, Rachael Lynn Phillips and partner (Jan Caddell) , Taylorsville, Utah; a sister, Jaquelin Worthen, Henderson, Nevada; a brother, Warren Stanley (Darlene) Bountiful, Utah; eight grandchildren, Blain Henry Phillips II, Larned, Matthew LeClair (Angela) Phillips, Olathe, John David (Veronica) Phillips, Spearville, Aaron Thomas (Candace) Phillips, Circle, Alaska, Maria Elisa Arriola (Eldon) Stout Phillips, Larned, Nicholas (Trista) Bieberle, Arizona, Alexandrea Arriola Nicole (Trent) Phillips, Willis, Texas, Travis Calvin Youngers, Larned; eighteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Andrew LeClair Phillips and a daughter in law, Cindy Phillips.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with Bishop Greg Perez presiding. Visitation will be from 9a.m. to 8p.m. Monday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned.

Memorials may be sent to Arrowhead West, Dodge City, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, Ks 67550. Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.