Ford Phillips

Ford R. Phillips, 73, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, in hospice care at Ratliff Care Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Ford was born in Cape Girardeau on Jan. 23, 1945, the third child of Ford and Venita Phillips of McClure, Illinois. He married Brenda Joyce Latham on Nov. 26, 1964, in Cape Girardeau. They celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary this year.

He lived in McClure as a young boy and moved to Cape Girardeau with his family as a teenager.

Ford graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1963 and earned a Bachelor of Science in English and journalism from Southeast Missouri State College in 1967. He continued his education at Southeast and earned a Master of Arts in American literature in 1972.

Ford was a loyal, hard-working and dedicated man whose first job, at the age of 14, was at his beloved Wimpy's Drive-In. His work career was interesting and varied, including English teacher and part-time school bus driver at Tamms High School in Tamms, Illinois, and head of the English Department at Cape Girardeau Central High School. In 1976, he started work as a communications manager for McDonnell Douglas Health Systems in St. Louis and in 1984 he became the director of corporate communications for McDonnell Douglas Information Systems Group. After moving to Alton, Illinois, Ford started his own business in 1988 and spent the next 30 years as the CEO of Riverbend Marketing Communications Group.

While in Alton, he served as president of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club from 2009 to 2010 and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Ford was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry and volunteering within the church and the community.

After living in Alton for 30 years, Ford and Brenda returned to Cape Girardeau. Being a true nature lover, Ford delighted in birdwatching and identifying trees surrounding their home. He especially enjoyed watching his bluebirds and hummingbirds visiting his many feeders.

His childhood in McClure was the inspiration for two published books of short stories -- "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" and "More Tales from McClane." He was at work on a third book, "Farewell McClane," at the time of his passing.

Ford was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, a willing and faithful volunteer, and an active member of the church vestry. He was a loving and kind man with a generous heart and a talent for bringing people together. He helped establish the Men's Group at Christ Episcopal Church, and faithfully served the community through the church's food pantry every week.

He is survived by the love of his life, Brenda Latham Phillips of Cape Girardeau; son, Ford (Wendy) Phillips of Hinsdale, Illinois; daughter, Amy (Andrew) Jenkins of Chicago; two sisters, Patricia Ann (Jerry) Walker of Wake Forest, North Carolina, and Jacqueline Mathews of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and four grandchildren, Connor Phillips, Ava Phillips, Evelyn Phillips and Brynn Phillips of Hinsdale. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews as well as other surviving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty Neal of Ballwin, Missouri; and two brothers-in-law, Chet Neal of Ballwin and Alvin Mathews of Tuscaloosa.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Edie Bird officiating. Ford's family looks forward to greeting friends and family following the service.

To honor Ford and his work with the food pantry, memorial contributions may be sent to Christ Episcopal Church Hunger Ministries, c/o 38 N. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.