Edwin Philipps

Edwin “Ed” Francis Philipps Jr., age 85, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2023. He was born in Chicago on January 30, 1938 the son of Edwin Philipps Sr. and Viola (Simpson) Philipps. Ed joined the military enlisting in the US Navy and served for four years; he then joined the US Army and served for another 3 years. While in the Army he was stationed in Austria where he met his first wife, Frieda. She preceded him in death on January 6, 2005. After her passing he met Catherine (Morales) and after falling in love; they married in 2011. Ed worked for many years as a mail carrier in the south suburbs for the United States Postal Service. In 2015, he and Catherine left the south suburbs to retire in Davis Junction. He loved the slow-paced country life and spending time with Cathy and their dog. He could be found spending time riding his John Deere or woodworking in his workshop. He had amazing woodworking skills and enjoyed making pendulum clocks, intricate shelves, and various other pieces. Ed was a man whose faith was at the center of his life. He spent many years as a traveling ambassador for Our Lady of Fatima. He was a devoted member of St Mary Catholic Church in Byron and enjoyed getting together to pray with his Rosary Group. More than anything Ed was someone who loved his family deeply and made sure they felt it. He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife, sisters, Mary Anne and Mary Therese, and daughters Eleanor and Sylvia. He is survived and missed by his wife, Catherine; children, Joseph, Patricia, Barbara, and Josephine; siblings, William, Robert, Kathleen, and Michael; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Byron with Father Rich Rosinski officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM prior to the service. Burial will be held privately at Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood.