Phillip's obituary
The youngest of 6 children, Phil was born on July 23, 1926 to John Brown and Juliette Brady.
Phil grew up in Mesa, AZ and attended Lehi Elementary School. By the time he was 8 years of age, Phil could single handedly drive a herd of cattle across town by horseback. He knew his way around a farm and he made his living working the land. He grew crops all over the valley and made many friends along the way.
At the age of 17, he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Joan Spurling. His love for her only grew stronger through the years. This past September the two celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary. Together they had 15 children, 98 grandchildren, hundreds of great grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren.
Phil loved his Savior Jesus Christ and he continually strived to follow him through service to his fellow man. He served with his wife as a missionary to the people of Uruguay, as well as the Native American people of the Pima Maricopa Salt River Tribe. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served his family, teaching them true love and devotion through his lasting commitment to his wife. He served his posterity through word and deed. Showing them by example what it meant to work hard and give your all.
Phil’s favorite things were telling stories, finding a good deal, and then bargaining for an even better one, his wife’s cooking, time with his family, chocolate milk, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate ice cream, basically all things chocolate and most things sweet. He also loved to work. In his later years he planted an orange orchard and truly enjoyed both tending to it and sharing the fruit of his labors with his family and many friends.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, siblings, son Flint (Debbie) and daughter Julia. He is survived by his wife Shirley Brown and his children: Judy Lisonbee (Bob), Joan Bradshaw (Gary), Janet Young (Var), Barry (Linda), Joyce Winder (Wayne), Jean, Don (Annette), Jennie Hatch (Alex), Carl (Eleisa), June White (Bill), Jill Stout (Dean), Jackie Thompson (Mike), and Jody Gonzales (Donny)
Services will be held this Saturday January 4th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Lehi Stake Center located at 1430 N. Grand Mesa, AZ. There will be a viewing at 9 am and the funeral will begin at 10 am. All are welcome to come and celebrate a life well lived.
Want to stay updated?
Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.
Send flowers
Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Phillip's family or funeral.