Search

contact us

Obituaries

Danny Phillips
Danny, loving and devoted husband, dad, grandfather, friend, and educator passed away Sunday, July 21, 2013.  He was born in Decatur, Texas on October 18, 1943 to Clarence and Merle Phillips.   Danny grew up in Chico, Texas.  After graduating from college, Danny’s career in education spanned some 47 years in Alvord and Alvarado, including stints as a teacher, coach, vice principal, principal, and truancy officer.  He was known and respected statewide as an educator and administrator.  His influence touched thousands of lives throughout his career, including students, teachers, and other administrators. Other than spending time with his family, Danny loved to play golf and travel.  Just about every Sunday was spent on the golf course, rain or shine. He and his family enjoyed numerous camping and ski trips over the years.  He and Ann traveled the country and the world with their close friends. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A smile or a laugh was never far away with the grandbabies around. Danny believed that education together with hard work, is  the recipe for a successful life.  He spent a lifetime sharing that belief.  He influenced many lives and he will be missed by all who knew him. Danny is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ann, his daughters Rhonda Phillips and Cheryl Bryant, his son Sam Phillips and fiance’ Melani Kirk, son-in-law Ken Valliant, his granddaughters Krisha Miller and husband David, Sierra Bryan and husband Chris, his grandson Kaleb Bryant, his great-grandchildren Karly and Cooper Bryan, his brother Jerry Phillips, brother-in-law Michael Barclay, sister-in-laws Betty Slovacek and  Kay Barclay, two nieces Dana Smathers and Julie Phillips and a great niece, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, golf buddies, and by countless students and athletes whose lives he touched and influenced.  He was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Children’s Advocacy Center in Cleburne or a charity of your choice. A Memorial Visitation will be 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 26 at Mayfield Kiser Funeral Home in Burleson, Texas.  Private services will be held at a later date.
Condolence Messages

90 Responses

  1. What a blessing to have known Danny. May God wrap his arms in comfort around you all. I love you.

    Sandra

  2. What a blessing to have known Danny. May God wrap his arms in comfort around you all. I love you.

    Sandra

  3. Mr. Phillips was my principle in High School. I always respected him. I wish to send heartfelt condolences to his family.

  4. Mr. Phillips was my principle in High School. I always respected him. I wish to send heartfelt condolences to his family.

  5. Our hearts are saddened by your loss. Mr./Coach Phillips was a great man and educator. Our prayers are with you at this time.

  6. Our hearts are saddened by your loss. Mr./Coach Phillips was a great man and educator. Our prayers are with you at this time.

  7. Coach, you will never be forgotten…I’ll always remember you and everything you taught me…not so much about book learning but life lessons….RIP my friend

  8. Coach, you will never be forgotten…I’ll always remember you and everything you taught me…not so much about book learning but life lessons….RIP my friend

  9. Mr. Phillips always had a smile when greeting anyone. He taught so many of us when he was just starting his career and then taught our kids. He was a great teacher.

    Our prayers go out to the family.

    Harvey and Doris Hanks

  10. Mr. Phillips always had a smile when greeting anyone. He taught so many of us when he was just starting his career and then taught our kids. He was a great teacher.

    Our prayers go out to the family.

    Harvey and Doris Hanks

  11. May you find comfort in family, friends, and beloved memories.. Having taught for Mr. Phillips for many years, he was a superior example of ethics and integrity in dealing with his staff, students, and community. Mr. Phillips was an honorable man, a superior motivator, and the legacy he leaves will live on through the countless lives he changed and influenced.

  12. May you find comfort in family, friends, and beloved memories.. Having taught for Mr. Phillips for many years, he was a superior example of ethics and integrity in dealing with his staff, students, and community. Mr. Phillips was an honorable man, a superior motivator, and the legacy he leaves will live on through the countless lives he changed and influenced.

  13. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It is difficult to lose a husband, father and grandfather. Only time will allow you to find comfort in your memories.

  14. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It is difficult to lose a husband, father and grandfather. Only time will allow you to find comfort in your memories.

  15. Coach Phillips was by far one of the finest men I’ve ever been blessed to know. He was also a great coach and a true friend. Some of the best times and memories of my life were spent with this man. He was more than a coach and great teacher but a great leader as well. I will truely miss him but always remember and love him. Thanks Coach for leading us not only to be good on the field but for teaching us about life and how to be better at that. We love you Coach, Ann and family.

  16. Coach Phillips was by far one of the finest men I’ve ever been blessed to know. He was also a great coach and a true friend. Some of the best times and memories of my life were spent with this man. He was more than a coach and great teacher but a great leader as well. I will truely miss him but always remember and love him. Thanks Coach for leading us not only to be good on the field but for teaching us about life and how to be better at that. We love you Coach, Ann and family.

  17. I am so sorry to hear about Danny. He was my first cousin & I have many fond memories visiting in Chico when we were kids. My sympathy to his family.

  18. I am so sorry to hear about Danny. He was my first cousin & I have many fond memories visiting in Chico when we were kids. My sympathy to his family.

  19. To the Phillips family. A great men has gone on, but he left his love, her 4 us to share with each other. Always a smile and something nice to say no matter what situation he was facing. You couldn’t ask for a better husband,father,granddad,supervisor,co-worker,or friend. He will be missed by many!! Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. From: The Mitchell Family. Mike Sr., Loretta, Kathedral, Hollywood, and Demetrius. With all of our love!

  20. To the Phillips family. A great men has gone on, but he left his love, her 4 us to share with each other. Always a smile and something nice to say no matter what situation he was facing. You couldn’t ask for a better husband,father,granddad,supervisor,co-worker,or friend. He will be missed by many!! Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. From: The Mitchell Family. Mike Sr., Loretta, Kathedral, Hollywood, and Demetrius. With all of our love!

  21. Ann, Rhonda, Cheryl, Sammy

    So sad to hear this shocking news. Coach Philips was one of those teachers/coaches to whom I always looked up with respect and genuinely liked. I’m just so sad to hear of his ( much too soon ) passing. Nothing I say can make any less your pain or the myriad difficult emotions you are going through, just know that a great many people loved Coach Philips and will miss him greatly and that I am one of those.

  22. Ann, Rhonda, Cheryl, Sammy

    So sad to hear this shocking news. Coach Philips was one of those teachers/coaches to whom I always looked up with respect and genuinely liked. I’m just so sad to hear of his ( much too soon ) passing. Nothing I say can make any less your pain or the myriad difficult emotions you are going through, just know that a great many people loved Coach Philips and will miss him greatly and that I am one of those.

  23. “Phillips Family”
    We are lifting each one of ya’ll up in prayer. Holy Spirit comfort each one of ya’ll.
    Coach Phillips was a great teacher

  24. “Phillips Family”
    We are lifting each one of ya’ll up in prayer. Holy Spirit comfort each one of ya’ll.
    Coach Phillips was a great teacher

  25. Ann, I was so sad and shocked to hear about Danny. Please know that you and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. So many good memories…especially during the guys coaching careers. Stay strong and God bless.

  26. Ann, I was so sad and shocked to hear about Danny. Please know that you and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. So many good memories…especially during the guys coaching careers. Stay strong and God bless.

  27. I was just talking about Danny to a fellow retiree last Saturday. He was an outstanding boss and a true friend who would stand by you no matter the outcome. Ann, you and the family were so blessed to have him in your life.

  28. I was just talking about Danny to a fellow retiree last Saturday. He was an outstanding boss and a true friend who would stand by you no matter the outcome. Ann, you and the family were so blessed to have him in your life.

  29. None of us ever know what to say at a time like this. I just hope that the family can take comfort in knowing that Mr Phillips made all of us in Alvarado who we are today. We all have our “MR Phillips stories”. He impacted everyone of his kids and we will all miss him.

  30. None of us ever know what to say at a time like this. I just hope that the family can take comfort in knowing that Mr Phillips made all of us in Alvarado who we are today. We all have our “MR Phillips stories”. He impacted everyone of his kids and we will all miss him.

  31. Mr. Phillips was one of the most fair people I have ever known. He had a great sense of humor as well, which can never be a bad thing when dealing with kids. My prayers and condolences go out to the Phillips family in this time of sorrow. God Bless

  32. Mr. Phillips was one of the most fair people I have ever known. He had a great sense of humor as well, which can never be a bad thing when dealing with kids. My prayers and condolences go out to the Phillips family in this time of sorrow. God Bless

  33. To Mr. Phillips family:

    It is my sincerest hope that the poem below will comfort all of you as much as it has comforted me in the past. He was a wonderful Principal and I appreciated how much he cared about us as students.

    To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say…
    but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
    I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
    Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

    Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
    Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
    That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
    God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.”

    It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
    As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
    I need you here badly; you’re part of my plan.
    There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

    God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
    And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
    And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight.
    God and I are closest to you….in the middle of the night.

    When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
    because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
    But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
    Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

    I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
    But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
    But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er.
    I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.

    There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
    but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
    It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too…
    that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

    If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain,
    then you can say to God at night……”My day was not in vain.”
    And now I am contented….that my life has been worthwhile,
    knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

    So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
    just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
    When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind;
    I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

    And when it’s time for you to go…. from that body to be free,
    remember you’re not going…..you’re coming here to me.

    Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
    ©Copyright 1998

  34. To Mr. Phillips family:

    It is my sincerest hope that the poem below will comfort all of you as much as it has comforted me in the past. He was a wonderful Principal and I appreciated how much he cared about us as students.

    To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say…
    but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
    I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
    Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

    Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
    Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
    That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
    God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.”

    It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
    As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
    I need you here badly; you’re part of my plan.
    There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

    God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
    And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
    And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight.
    God and I are closest to you….in the middle of the night.

    When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
    because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
    But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
    Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

    I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
    But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
    But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er.
    I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.

    There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
    but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
    It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too…
    that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

    If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain,
    then you can say to God at night……”My day was not in vain.”
    And now I am contented….that my life has been worthwhile,
    knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

    So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
    just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
    When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind;
    I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

    And when it’s time for you to go…. from that body to be free,
    remember you’re not going…..you’re coming here to me.

    Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
    ©Copyright 1998

  35. Ann, You And Your Family Are In My Thoughts And Prayers. Danny Will Be Missed. GodBless You All.

  36. Ann, You And Your Family Are In My Thoughts And Prayers. Danny Will Be Missed. GodBless You All.

  37. In 42 years in education, I have known only two other people who commanded the respect of everyone like Danny Phillips did. This world is dimmer because he was taken from us.

  38. In 42 years in education, I have known only two other people who commanded the respect of everyone like Danny Phillips did. This world is dimmer because he was taken from us.

  39. Words just never say enough. Just wanted the family to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers! Such a huge part of Alvarado Football history was created with the help of Coach Phillips. He is and will be remembered through several generations. We all just want to give the family a huge HUG!

  40. Words just never say enough. Just wanted the family to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers! Such a huge part of Alvarado Football history was created with the help of Coach Phillips. He is and will be remembered through several generations. We all just want to give the family a huge HUG!

  41. Ann, Rhonda, Cheryl, and Sammy
    I considered Danny an exemplary mentor and principal as well as a beloved and trusted friend. With the greatest compassion and gentleness, he helped my family and me through some most difficult times. His joyful spirit, his laid-back attitude, his strife to others achieve their dreams will not be forgotten. He was truly one of the good ones.

  42. Ann, Rhonda, Cheryl, and Sammy
    I considered Danny an exemplary mentor and principal as well as a beloved and trusted friend. With the greatest compassion and gentleness, he helped my family and me through some most difficult times. His joyful spirit, his laid-back attitude, his strife to others achieve their dreams will not be forgotten. He was truly one of the good ones.

  43. When I married into the Johnson family 9 years ago my wife Amanda was so excited to me to meet her God Parents Ann and Danny. The moment I met them they have made me feel like part of their family. I enjoyed so much the times and conversations I had with Danny. He will truly be missed and left a great legacy for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with Ann and the friends and family. Danny we love you and you will truly be missed!

  44. When I married into the Johnson family 9 years ago my wife Amanda was so excited to me to meet her God Parents Ann and Danny. The moment I met them they have made me feel like part of their family. I enjoyed so much the times and conversations I had with Danny. He will truly be missed and left a great legacy for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with Ann and the friends and family. Danny we love you and you will truly be missed!

  45. Coach was one of the most understanding person I knew. Had him for a class and if you did not understand he was always ready to help you. He will be missed.

    Love and Prayers to his family.

  46. Coach was one of the most understanding person I knew. Had him for a class and if you did not understand he was always ready to help you. He will be missed.

    Love and Prayers to his family.

  47. So sorry for your loss. Danny was such an amazing man with a kind and loving heart. He will be missed dearly. Thinking of you Phillips family and sending lots of love, hugs and prayers. Love you guys!

  48. So sorry for your loss. Danny was such an amazing man with a kind and loving heart. He will be missed dearly. Thinking of you Phillips family and sending lots of love, hugs and prayers. Love you guys!

  49. The world is a better place because Danny Phillips was part of it. He had a positive impact on countless lives. We were fortunate to have him as a dear friend for almost 4 decades. We already mss him terribly and are grateful for the wonderful memories we have to cherish.
    Love to all in the Phillips family,
    Vernon and Donna

  50. The world is a better place because Danny Phillips was part of it. He had a positive impact on countless lives. We were fortunate to have him as a dear friend for almost 4 decades. We already mss him terribly and are grateful for the wonderful memories we have to cherish.
    Love to all in the Phillips family,
    Vernon and Donna

  51. In early life you traverse a complicated roadway, and at every crossroad you have guides that help you find your way…mr.Phillips was one of those guides.. Thank you, Mr.Phillips, for helping a lot of us find our way..you will be missed and forever in our hearts..

  52. In early life you traverse a complicated roadway, and at every crossroad you have guides that help you find your way…mr.Phillips was one of those guides.. Thank you, Mr.Phillips, for helping a lot of us find our way..you will be missed and forever in our hearts..

  53. There is much sadness and tears flow heavy since our Lord called you home. He has such plans for you, that we do not understand, but one day will.
    Mr. Phillips, you, sir were respected, honored, loved, and you brought joy and laughter to those around you. You will truly be missed but your memory will live on and shine through your family.

    My dearest Cheryl, my heart aches knowing the pain that you are feeling, as well as your family. My deepest condolence and prayers are with you all.
    May God carry you through this.

  54. There is much sadness and tears flow heavy since our Lord called you home. He has such plans for you, that we do not understand, but one day will.
    Mr. Phillips, you, sir were respected, honored, loved, and you brought joy and laughter to those around you. You will truly be missed but your memory will live on and shine through your family.

    My dearest Cheryl, my heart aches knowing the pain that you are feeling, as well as your family. My deepest condolence and prayers are with you all.
    May God carry you through this.

  55. I will forever miss your kind heart, beautiful blue eyes and every ready smile. God must have needed help with his peace keeping to have called you way too soon.

  56. I will forever miss your kind heart, beautiful blue eyes and every ready smile. God must have needed help with his peace keeping to have called you way too soon.

  57. He was by far my favorite teacher in high school. my only class my senior year was with him in Deca and a lot of times we would just talk..i loved this man and his family so much, I pray for comfort for the family,,amen

  58. He was by far my favorite teacher in high school. my only class my senior year was with him in Deca and a lot of times we would just talk..i loved this man and his family so much, I pray for comfort for the family,,amen

  59. Ann, Rhonda, Cheryl and Sammy,
    Danny will be missed. He was and has all ways been an excellent example for kids and has influenced many. No words can express our heart felt sorrow for your loss. Just know that many are holding your family up in prayer. His smiling face will be missed!

  60. Ann, Rhonda, Cheryl and Sammy,
    Danny will be missed. He was and has all ways been an excellent example for kids and has influenced many. No words can express our heart felt sorrow for your loss. Just know that many are holding your family up in prayer. His smiling face will be missed!

  61. I had the privilege of knowing Danny through the Jackson family. He was always so nice and friendly. I know that he meant so much to Brett and that they were great friends. I appreciate the influence that he had on Brett’s life and the life of so many others.

  62. I had the privilege of knowing Danny through the Jackson family. He was always so nice and friendly. I know that he meant so much to Brett and that they were great friends. I appreciate the influence that he had on Brett’s life and the life of so many others.

  63. Mr. Phillips will truly missed he was a very good man my girls love him. He made a impact on all the children that he came in contact with and help lead them in the right path his wife was a great friend & coworker my prayer will be with her and her children Now he singing with the Angles in heaven and set at Our dear Lords feet the Phillips new me as Barbara Rider I love them dearly you will truly be miss Mr. Phillips Gods Blessing on you family.

  64. Mr. Phillips will truly missed he was a very good man my girls love him. He made a impact on all the children that he came in contact with and help lead them in the right path his wife was a great friend & coworker my prayer will be with her and her children Now he singing with the Angles in heaven and set at Our dear Lords feet the Phillips new me as Barbara Rider I love them dearly you will truly be miss Mr. Phillips Gods Blessing on you family.

  65. My condolence and prayers are with you during this time. He was a great person and principal he will be greatly missed.

  66. My condolence and prayers are with you during this time. He was a great person and principal he will be greatly missed.

  67. There are oceans, there are mountains, there are valleys, and there have been myriad of storms; neither has managed to separate the great friendship, appreciation, and love Danny and I shared over the past four decades. There is no way to describe how much I will miss Danny. This great loss leaves a massive void in my heart. Indeed, Danny legacy will be very difficult to match. Ann, Rhonda, Cheryl, and Sam stay the course … God bless!

    Ken and Linda

  68. There are oceans, there are mountains, there are valleys, and there have been myriad of storms; neither has managed to separate the great friendship, appreciation, and love Danny and I shared over the past four decades. There is no way to describe how much I will miss Danny. This great loss leaves a massive void in my heart. Indeed, Danny legacy will be very difficult to match. Ann, Rhonda, Cheryl, and Sam stay the course … God bless!

    Ken and Linda

  69. We were very sorry to hear of Mr Phillips passing. Cheryl, I know how much he meant to you. Please know you and your family are in our prayers. May you all take comfort in knowing you will be reunited one day. God Bless you.

  70. We were very sorry to hear of Mr Phillips passing. Cheryl, I know how much he meant to you. Please know you and your family are in our prayers. May you all take comfort in knowing you will be reunited one day. God Bless you.

  71. Rhonda I am so sorry for the loss of your Daddy I know how you must feel. He will be deeply missed by all! My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and extended family.

  72. You will be missed by many and remembered by all. You taught me and my kids as well. R.I.P. Prayers go out to your loved ones.

  73. We were all truly blessed to know Mr. Phillips. He was always kind, encouraging and supportive. He had great wisdom like Solomon and knew how to calmly handle any situation. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity work for Mr. Phillips and I will miss his great smile and words of encouragement. He was an asset to the entire community. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

  74. I did not get a chance to ever meet Mr. Phillips but Sam is a very good friend of mine and i am sure Sam mirrors his dad in all his great qualities, a true friend, my prayers to the Phillips family

  75. Dear Cheryl and family,
    It was with much sorrow that I received the news of Danny’s passing. He was a fine man and I have many fond memories from my childhood of visiting Danny, who was my first cousin, when we were growing up in Chico and Phoenix. We talked of so many things and spent a lot of time throwing around a football or baseball and talking sports and what we would do and be when we were grown. I last spoke to Danny about two years ago and we vowed then that we would stay in touch and meet again if we ever got the chance. The chance never came but I know that he was someone who must have left everyone in the family with many beautiful memories of those years of happiness you all shared and that those memories will help you to cope with this sad loss.
    Please accept our prayers and sympathy in this time of sorrow and grief over the passing of such a beloved and special person.
    Bill Lacey
    and family

  76. Danny wasa super exampleof integrityan ethics,most of all a honorableman of his word,grearleader to all. He talk me into becoming a sub after my stroke–it has been a joymost of the times.He will be truly miss by so many.God decided He needed Danny to come home so I pray the family in time will understand God has a plan for all man kind. God bless you all.

  77. Prayers to the Phillips family. Danny was a great boss to work for. His atta boys when you did something good were always well appreciated. He will be truly missed. Brad, Jody, Blake, Jacie, and Jenna Janek

  78. It’s difficult to put into words how much I will miss Danny. Early in my life he was a Great mentor and taught us what Leadership was about. Danny was a terrific listener and always showed genuine concern for others no matter the circumstances. He was a GREAT Man and daily, a living example of what is most important in life, your family, your friends and care for others. Danny and the entire Phillips family will always have a special place in my heart. Ann, Sam, Rhonda, and Cheryl I am truly sorry for your loss and I am praying for you guys. God Bless the Phillips.

    Ronnie Johnson and family

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to content