PHILLIPS, STERLING DAVID, December 31, 1921 – May 19, 2006

Our husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, Sterling David Phillips, returned to his Heavenly Father and his beloved wife on Wednesday, May 19, 2006 in St. George, Utah.

He began his life on December 31, 1921, the eldest of eight children born to Morgan J. and Sena Mae Higgins Phillips. As a child, he spent many summers with his aunt and uncle fishing on the Salmon River. Sterling loved fishing and hunting and enjoyed that pastime throughout his life. He especially loved hunting with his two sons.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a 1st Class motor machinist mate. He served in World War II and was involved in the invasion of Sicily, Salerno, Anzio and Normandy.

One year before his service was complete, he married his high school sweetheart, Katherine Mae Hargraves. They were later blessed with seven wonderful children. Sterling and Katherine joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were later sealed in the Idaho Falls LS Temple in October of 1950.

Sterling spent most of his working years in the meat industry as a sausage maker, butcher, salesman and inventor. In 1963, Sterling opened his own business in Orem, Utah, called “Ranch Pride”. Later he owned a business in Malad, named “Smokey Phil’s” which led to his nickname. Sterling was famous for his jerky and salamis of all kinds.

After the passing of his dear wife, Katherine in 1999, he moved to St. George, Utah, where he met and married Dorothy Hancock McBride, who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Carol (J.C.) McBride, Roosevelt, Utah; Debbie (Robert) Bingham, Oakley, Utah; Mary Louise (Brad) Sargent, Lindon, Utah; Robert (Teri) Phillips, Malad; Jeannine (Stan) Briggs, Orem, Utah; Jennifer (Dan) Carter, Lund, Nevada; and Mark (Becky) Phillips, Hurricane, Utah. Also surviving him are stepchildren, Kenny (Kisa) McBride; Cliff (Janet) Lamb; Gene (Marlene) Citpor; Terry McBride and Rob McBride; 32 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted Monday, May 15 in the Malad LDS Third Ward Chapel. Burial followed in the Malad City Cemetery, with military rites by the American Legion, Ernest W. Jones Post.