Douglas Duane Phillips

Douglas “Duane” Phillips March 15, 1947 – May 2, 2025 Douglas "Duane" Phillips, 78, passed away on May 2, 2025. He was born on March 15, 1947, in Hays, Kansas. Duane graduated from Shallowater High School in 1965. During his school years, he was an accomplished athlete and won the state championship in cross country in 1962. 

Shortly after graduation, Duane enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a proud 21- year military career. He served four tours in Vietnam between 1968 and 1971, traveled the world three times over, and was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas for the entirety of his service career. He retired honorably as a Master Sergeant in 1986. 

During his time in the military, Duane received numerous commendations for his bravery and dedication, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster, One Unit Citation with One Valor and Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam with three clusters, Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and Vietnam Campaign Medals. 

After retiring from the military, Duane worked for ten years at Arrow Ford in Abilene. During this time, he was a devoted member of Trinity Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir, ran a bus route, served as a camp counselor, taught 4th and 5th grade boys Sunday School, and actively participated in church visitation ministry. 

In 1991, Duane and Brenda helped establish Heritage Baptist Church, where he served as treasurer, continued in the choir, led visitation efforts, and taught the Prime Timers Sunday School class. His faith was the foundation of his life and something he lived out through consistent service to his church community. 

In the late 1990s, Duane and Brenda followed a spiritual calling to Michigan, where they resided for 15 years. During that time, Duane worked at Dearborn Ford, Kmart, and served as a security officer at the airport. He was also very faithful in his church Wick Road Baptist Church. 

In 2013, God led Duane and Brenda back to Abilene, Texas, where they became members of Harvest Baptist Church, continuing a lifelong commitment to ministry and faith. 

Duane loved the outdoors—especially fishing and hunting—but above all, he loved serving the Lord. 

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Phillips and four children: Lanny and Tammy Phillips of Taylor, Michigan; Terrin and Tracie Phillips of San Antonio, Texas; Melody Goben of Fort Worth, Texas; and Duane Phillips of Bakersfield, California. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Adam and Laura Phillips of Michigan; Justin and Mandy Edwards of Michigan; Jordan and Melanie Phillips of Texas; Gage and Morgan Duncan of Texas; and Alissa Ruprecht of California; as well as five great-grandchildren. Duane is also survived by his brother George Phillips and sister Janice Heili. 

He was preceded in death by his father Cecil Phillips, mother Mabel Phillips, and sister Juanita Phillips. 

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Schertz Funeral Home & Crematory, 2217 FM 3009, Schertz, TX 78154. A Graveside Service with full military honors will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #3, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Duane’s life.