Walter J. Phillips, age 86, of Pocahontas, passed away peacefully Sunday; May 14, 2023 at the Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas, Iowa.

Walter James Phillips was born June 23, 1936 on the family farm in Grant Township, Pocahontas, Iowa to parents Albert James (AJ) and Anna Laura (Ann) Pascal Phillips.

He attended country school through 8th grade and graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1954. He was passionate about playing football, earning All-Conference Honors as a defensive back.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1957-1960 in Erlangen, Germany. He married Mary Dexter on November 17, 1957 and they lived in Germany for two years. They farmed near Pocahontas for 40 years. In his later years, Walt enjoyed operating a semi, grain sampling, and driving a transit bus.

He was a member of the Lion's Club, Masonic Lodge, and Hope United Methodist Church of Pocahontas, where he served on several committees. In his spare time, Walt enjoyed being with family and friends through tractor pulling, snowmobiling, camping, and traveling. He was especially proud of his children's and grandchildren's involvement in activities and their accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary; parents, AJ and Ann Phillips; Mary's parents, James and Ruth Dexter; sisters, Margaret (Byron) Rude, Grace (Ron) Hoag, Ruth (Bob) Miller, and Imogene (Robert) Schoon, brothers-in-law Donald McCartan and James Dexter and sister-in-law Martha Phillips.

He is survived by children Scott Phillips of Pocahontas, Cindy (Rick) Gleason of Windsor, CO, and Mark (Krystal) of Pocahontas, 10 grandchildren Ann (Phil Mayo) Phillips, Jill Phillips, Michael Phillips, Zachary Miller, Thad (Chelsea) Miller, Trevor (Katie) Miller, Holly (Adam) Jergens, Leah Phillips, Laura Phillips, and Grace (Colt) Wandrey, 2 step-grandchildren Tony (Lauren) Gleason and Jillian Gleason, 5 great-grandchildren Benjamin Miller, Hayden Miller, Addison Wandrey, Maude Phillips Mayo, and Spencer Miller, 3 step-great-grandchildren Knox Gleason, Redding Gleason, and Beck Gleason, sisters-in-law Carol McCartan, Linda (Paul) Abrahamson, Jean Dexter, and Ruth (John) Starks, and brother, Claude Phillips.

The family wishes to say a special thank you to the staff at Accura HealthCare in Pomeroy, Iowa for their care and compassion over the past 3 ½ years.