Mr. Phillips (Bob) was well-educated and down-to-earth, proud of his Indianapolis Arsenal Technical High School diploma (1949), his 1953 Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University, West Lafayette, and his subsequent Master’s Degree in Statistics from Western Reserve (now Case Western), Ohio.
Bob married his first wife, Barbara Bassett, in 1954; they had 5 daughters and a son, Robbie. Barbara died of cancer when their youngest child was 4. Robbie died unexpectedly at age 21. Bob lamented at Robbie’s burial that he “Never got to play ball” with his son – a pain from which he never fully recovered in his most private moments – as Robbie suffered seizure activity soon after birth and resultant brain damage. His daughters were “God’s way to keep me humble,” he would laughingly say. He had always thought he would have boys!
He married Cynda Lou Bloom Stewart (Cyndy) in 1983. She had a son and daughter, both out of high school and unmarried. Bob was a loving, supportive husband, father and grandfather. At the time of his death, all of his daughters were married and had presented him with 11 grandchildren (including 2 “step”); Cyndy’s daughter had 2 children, bringing the total number of grandchildren to “lucky” 13.
Bob and Cyndy enjoyed 18 wonderful years together. He worked in industry for 30 years as an engineer and held various executive positions. He then accepted the position of Director of Purdue Programs at Indiana University East, Richmond, IN, and – as his reputation for excellence grew – worked for many years privately as a quality control consultant for companies in Indiana, Ohio and beyond. For Purdue, he was an administrator and teacher, which gave him great satisfaction. After about 10 years, he chose to teach in the Purdue Programs full time, retaining that position until ill health forced his retirement in April 2000.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Herbert, mother, Grace, and youngest sister, Geri. The “baby”, he spent many happy hours with eldest sister, Madge Hardwick, after retirement.
Dying was never in Bob’s plans! After his lung cancer diagnosis on March 5, 1999, he bravely endured his treatments without a single complaint. Friends from his church attended an impromptu birthday party at his home July 30, 2000; he was 69. True to form, he was the life of the party!
An infectious laugh, quick wit, great sense of humor, ready smile, brilliant intellect, affectionate nature and an unwavering devotion to his wife and family were just a few of Bob’s endearing qualities. He enjoyed his home and pets: cat, Stoney, and poodle, Puppy. Losing Bob left holes in the hearts of his family members and friends. He enjoyed his life, living the American Dream. President of his fraternity, Vice President of McDonald and Associates consulting firm, Fellow in the American Society for Quality Control engineering association – his most important teachings were by example: do your best; be true to yourself; love and serve God. He is greatly missed.