William Evertson Phillips 1928-2010

William Evertson Phillips, 82, of Oak Brook, formerly of Deerfield, died Nov. 14, 2010 at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. Mr. Phillips was born May 3, 1928, in Galesburg to Frederick Wisner and Ruth nee Johnson Phillips. He is a descendant of the Reverend George Phillips who came to this country in 1630 with the Puritans, and Major Moses Phillips who fought in the Revolutionary War. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Salvesen Phillips; and three daughters, Carrie (Anthony) Quinn, Anne (David) Gezon and Elizabeth (Bernard) Schaffer; he is also survived by two stepdaughters, Melissa (Kip) Carlson and Melanie Salvesen; he was the proud grandfather of Kathleen (Mark Reed) Quinn Reed, Michael (Jennifer) Quinn, John Quinn, William Schaffer, Richard Schaffer, Sarah Schaffer, Christopher Gezon and Caroline Gezon; and great- grandfather of Samantha Quinn Reed. Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by first his wife of 47 years, Frances Holcomb Phillips. He attended High School at Western Military Academy, in Alton, where he graduated with honors. He continued his education at Knox College, in Galesburg, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. While at Knox, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and Scabbard and Blade Honorary Military Fraternity. He received four varsity letters in swimming, and was Captain of the Knox Swim Team his junior and senior year. He received his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law in 1953, where he received the prestigious U.S. Law Book Award. Upon graduating he worked for several firms before founding his own law firm, which eventually became Phillips, Healy and Allen. He practiced at 134 N. LaSalle Street in Chicago, for 35 years until he retired as President of the firm. He was a member of both the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association for more than 50 years. He was also a member of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Advocates. Mr. Phillips was a member of the Illinois National Guard for 19 years. He retired with the rank of Captain in the 131st Infantry. He was a member of Thorngate Country Club in Deerfield, which later became Ivanhoe Club for more than 50 years. He was also a Charter Member of the Forge Club and a founding member of the Tarpin Cove Yacht and Racquet Club in Naples, FL where he owns a Condominium. He was a member of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church in Deerfield, and had remained active in the Church of his birth, Grace Anglican Church in Galesburg, IL. Interment will be at Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, IL, where six generations of his family are buried. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Phillips Trust for Anglican Worship c/o Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Info 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com