Funeral services with a Masonic service and military honors celebrating the life of Gordon Phillips, 87, of Utica, will be held at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 6 P.M., Monday March 8, 2021 with Chaplain Brian Humphreys as celebrant.  Friends and family may call at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service.

Gordon died peacefully at his home – after one final adventure in his life – on Monday, March 1, 2021, with his loving son Richard and family by his side.  He was born in Birmingham, England on March 24, 1934, to the late Charles W. and Ellen Florence (Buffey) Phillips.

Gordon, formerly of England and Australia, retired from the Prison Services of Australia.  He was a veteran of the Royal Air Force Regiment, serving as a ground combat instructor as well as a liaison with the Special Armed Services in Northern Ireland.

He was a Master Mason and member of the Anglican Church.  Gordon was a vibrant man with a colorful personality, charming all around him.  He loved to reminisce on his youth, telling many stories of his childhood chemistry set and the innocent trouble he would cause.  He was comical and enjoyed laughter and making others laugh with him.  The time spent with his family, creating adventures, and traveling, was most precious to him.

He leaves behind his four children, Michael, Ellen, Glenda and Richard; 5 grandchildren, Ethan, Ashlee, Sophie, Rachel, and Sean; and one great-grandson Ben. He is now in the grace of God with his loving wife of 65 years, Lilian (Bolderson) and his brothers Charlie and Harold.

Gordon will forever be in the hearts of all who loved him.

To share your memory of Gordon or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com .