Keith Phillips, age 80, died Dec. 20, 2011, in Eugene, Ore., with his family beside him.
Keith was born in Carey, Idaho, in 1931 to Jim and Merretta Phillips. He grew up and attended school in Carey.
Keith was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and saw active duty in Korea. After he was discharged, he returned to Carey where he was involved in farming and in mechanics. He was also employed in Bruneau and in Boise.
In 1958, Keith enlisted in the Army and began a 26-year military career that included active duty in Vietnam. He was stationed in many locations in the United States and many locations around the word: Vietnam, France, Germany, Japan, Thailand, etc.
On Sept. 5, 1965, he married Martha Hudson in Chester, S.C. She accompanied him to many Army installations in and out of the United States. In 1968, Keith and Martha bought a home in Sierra Vista, Ariz., when he was stationed at Fort Huachuca. Sierra Vista was home base for them for many years. Keith was retired from the Army in 1981. Later, they moved to Tucson, Ariz., and in 1993 they moved to Eugene, Ore., to be close to family.
Keith is survived by his wife, Martha; two daughters, Joyce (Alan) Coleman of Eugene, Ore., and Barbara (James) Calvert of Junction City, Ore.; three grandsons; and his sister, Enid Keeler of Boise. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jim and Rex; and brother-in-law Owen Keeler.
A military funeral preceded Keith's being laid to rest in Junction City, Ore., on Dec. 23.
