Lincoln W. Phillips

Lincoln W. Phillips, age 82, of Knoxville, Illinois, passed away after a long illness with progressive aphasia, on Nov. 14, 2017 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, Illinois. Linc was born on May 30, 1935, in Laura, Ill., the son of Wally and Amy Bierderbeck Phillips. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1935, he then attended Western Illinois University. He married Betty Martin on June 9, 1957, in Knoxville. Linc spent 2 years stationed in Anchorage, Alaska with the U.S. Army. In 1960 he returned home to Knoxville, starting his banking career at First Farmers National Bank. He retired as president of First Midwest Bank of Galesburg, in 1997. Linc was a member of Grace Lutheran church and former board member. A member of the former Knoxville Jaycees and Kiwanis Club. He served on the board and numerous advisory committees for Knoxville City Council, Knox County Fair, Lake Bracken Country Club and Carl Sandburg College. Linc also served the OSF St. Mary’s Hospital Board. Linc enjoyed life, with his winning smile he was always ready to tell you a joke. He had fun flying recreational planes, traveling on vacations to golf, fish or visit the grandkids. He loved a good book or a game of cards with buddies. Later after retirement more time was spent on the golf course with the neighborhood gang. He also dearly looked forward to each morning, “going to coffee with the guys.” Linc is survived by his wife and daughter, Stacy (Rich) Birkhold of Dallas, TX; two grandchildren Alec and Emma; Three siblings, Marilyn Saline of Dahinda; Nancy (Mike) Reathaford of Galesburg; Ron (Jane) Phillips of Galesburg. There will be a private graveside service at Knoxville Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be from 12pm to 2 pm on Monday, November 20, 2017 at Oak Run Golf Club House. Memorials can be made in Linc’s honor to Grace Lutheran Church. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lincoln W. Phillips please visit our Sympathy Store.