Patrick Dwight Phillips

Patrick Dwight Phillips, 62, departed this life on Friday evening, September 16th, 2016, to join the choir of angels in heaven. Pat succumbed to complications of open heart surgery, after 18 days of valiant efforts to save him by the doctors and ICU nursing staff of Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. In Heaven to greet him will be his father, Dwight Cole Phillips, his granddaughter, Allena Ruth Pierson, and his grandparents, Cole and Nettie Phillips of Springdale, and Joseph and Dora (“Nonie”) Taldo of Tontitown, both founding families of our communities. Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his loving wife, Mary Franco Phillips; his devoted daughters Megan Phillips (Kathleen Eubanks), Stephanie Collier, and NiCole Phillips (Robby Pierson); his granddaughter, Alice Collier; his mother, Patsy Taldo Phillips Graham (Clyde), all of Springdale; and his brother, Joe Phillips of Richmond, VA, all of whom were by his bedside when he breathed his final earthly breath. Pat’s large extended family, by whom he was warmly welcomed, includes brothers-and sisters-in-law and their children from the Franco and Phillips families: Beverly Franco Lloyd (Cleo), Cecilia Franco Oliver (Terry), Denice Franco Wilson (Nick), Victor Dwight Franco (Charla), Dwayne Franco (LeAnn), all from the area, and Rita Ratto Phillips (Joe) of Richmond, VA. It also includes four aunts from the Taldo family, 19 first cousins and their families from the Taldo, Hovey, Mussino, Brady and Russell families, and 12 nieces and nephews from the Franco family. Pat was born in Springdale, Arkansas on May 26th, 1954. He graduated from Springdale High School's class of 1972, and attended the University of Arkansas. While in school, Pat worked in the family’s Westwood Drive-in, affectionately known as “the Koolie”, learning every aspect of the business. Pat joined Wendy's national chain, and then the rapidly growing fast food chain, Andy's. Like his father, Pat was a quick learner, could do anything, and was responsible at an early age. He quickly became Andy's regional center opener and trainer, opening and operating new sites across the region. Pat missed Springdale, and returned to the Hometown Drive-In in Tontitown, where he met and fell in love with lovely Mary Franco, his wife-to-be. Pat's career included associate store manager positions with Walmart Neighborhood Markets and stints with his cousins at M & M Tile & Griffin Company realtors, where he served as President of the Springdale Board of Realtors. Like his mother, Pat’s friendly, outgoing and customer service oriented nature was beloved by all his customers. For the last several years, Pat was a route salesman/driver with Schwan’s, a perfect calling for him, where he thoroughly enjoyed the direct interface with his many loyal customers, who will miss his friendly service. Pat’s activities and love revolved around his family, friends and faith. He enjoyed camping, attending auctions, poker night, music, especially the blues, and smoking meat for family and friends. Pat loved to tell stories and was known to have a great sense of humor - something he needed living in a house with all girls. He was an active member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springdale, and a Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Pat left us far too early, and will be so greatly missed by his family, friends, associates and customers. To live in the hearts of others is not to die. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale with Rev. John Connell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Tontitown. Visitation and Rosary services will begin on Wednesday at 7pm at St. Raphael Catholic Church. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

Patrick Dwight Phillips

May 26, 1954 - September 16, 2016