Roger Dale Phillips, July 1, 1946 – July 12, 2022 Winton, California – Roger Dale Phillips (aka “Poppy”), 76, born in Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away surrounded by family on July 12, 2022 in Merced, CA. Roger was born to Mildred and Pendal Phillips. He was drafted at the age of 19, and proudly served in the US Army in the Vietnam War, in A Company, 1St Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, from 1966-1967. He was wounded in action by mortar fire, ultimately receiving a Purple Heart. Shortly after returning home, at the age of 21, Roger married Virginia (Dare) Phillips and together they raised their children in Winton, California, where they lived for the past 50 years. Roger worked for Foster Farms in Livingston, California for almost 40 years. In his younger years, Roger loved to go bowling, fishing, and golfing with his family and friends. He also loved watching his son Corey play baseball while he was growing up. When he wasn’t coaching, he was in the stands watching Corey play.

In 1998 Roger’s first grandson (Trevor) was born and he became a Poppy for the first time. Three years later, his second and third grandsons (Trenton and Tanner) were born. Roger’s grandsons were his pride and joy, and just like when his son Corey was little, he loved watching them play sports throughout their Elementary and High School years. Roger loved spending time with his grandsons, there weren’t many weekends you wouldn’t find him without one (or all three) of them. Spending time driving around, telling them stories about his childhood and his time in the war, and going to eat lunch at La Morenita was just a few of their favorite things to do together. Roger loved his family and friends, and our memories with him will live on forever in our hearts.

Roger is survived by his wife of over 52 years, Virginia (Dare) Phillips; son Corey Phillips (Alisa) of Merced, California; daughter Gina Stephens (Donnie) of Modesto, California; grandsons Trevor, Trenton and Tanner Phillips of Merced, California; brothers Carl Phillips (Nina) of Oakdale, California and Troy Phillips of Riverbank, California; sisters Geri Derby of Oregon and Patsy Ardent of Minnesota; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Roger was proceeded in death by his mother and father Mildred and Pendal Phillips; sisters Phyllis and Jeannie Phillips; and son David Seekins.

A short graveside service will be held at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California on Thursday July 28, 2022 at 10:00am. Arrangements entrusted to Whitton Family Funeral Service of Merced, California.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 

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