Leland Phillips

Leland Oral “Brother” Phillips, 81, of New Madrid passed away surrounded by his family Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

Leland was born March 4, 1943, to Wilson and Venita Phillips. He graduated from New Madrid High School, where he was the prom king, and married his high school sweetheart, Sherry Ann Shelby, on March 27, 1965.

He served his country in the U.S. Army Intelligence Division in West Germany during the 1960s. After his service, he attended Southeast Missouri State University. He then began his career, working first as an insurance salesperson for Farm Bureau and later as an advocate for children at the Division of Family Services in Sikeston, and finally at Lakeland Regional Hospital. He was also a small business owner, operating The Sports Shop in New Madrid.

Leland was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Parish in New Madrid.

Leland was an avid sports fan, especially basketball. Basketball was not just a sport for Leland; it was his second heartbeat. From player to coach to grandparent-fan, Leland’s life played out on the hardwood. He was captain of the New Madrid Owls/Indians varsity high school basketball team, and later even made the junior varsity Southeast Missouri State University team. He served as the president of the New Madrid County Central Booster Club.

His favorite activity was attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Leland rarely missed a game, no matter the sport (even soccer), and he was always available for encouragement and advice. He could spot a travel from a mile away. He was also a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

But most of all, Leland loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Phillips of New Madrid; four children, Leland “Leebo” Phillips Jr., of Boonville, Craig Phillips of New Madrid, Kari (Duane) Beussink of Cape Girardeau and Whitney (Sabe) Caton of Boonville; daughter-in-law, Amy (Mark) Preyer of Kennett; and three siblings, Ginger Delisle of Portageville; Ruth (Ron) Denault of Princeton, Illinois; and Cary (Becky) Phillips of Kansas City, Missouri.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jake (Lydia) Phillips of Dexter, Drew Beussink of New Haven, Connecticut, Emma Phillips of Little Rock, Arkansas, Bailey Beussink of Columbia, Audrey Phillips of Kennett, Colby, Mabry and Crosby Caton of Boonville, and Paige and Addison Beussink of Cape Girardeau. He had one great-grandchild, Reign Phillips of Dexter.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Frank Phillips; brothers-in-law, Buddy Delisle and Mitchell Shelby; and his lifelong best friend, Larry St. Mary of Ohio, who passed away two days prior to Leland. Heaven’s backcourt got an upgrade this week.

Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at Immaculate Conception Church in New Madrid. A funeral Mass will be held immediately afterward, with the Rev. David Hulshof presiding. Burial will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Pallbearers will be Drew Beussink, Colby Caton, Jake Phillips, Justin Shelby, Jon Garret Kellams and Joe DeLisle.

Honorary pallbearers are Dub Prince, R.D. James, Riley James, Richard Phillips, Bobby Hedgepath, Larry Eby, Steve Kellams and Bud DeLisle.

As we bid farewell to Leland, we can almost hear the final whistle blow on a game well played.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and memories that his family will cherish forever.

DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville is in charge of arrangements.