Donald James Phillips, 85, of Winner passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner.  Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 13, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial will be at the Winner Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Donald was born on June 24, 1931 to Myrtle (Wolf) and Clifford Phillips in Winner, SD.  Donald attended Banner Grade School in northern Tripp County until the fourth grade.  He then attended St.  Mary's Catholic School and graduated from Winner High School in 1949.

His parents moved from Banner Township to Todd County in 1949.  Donald lived with his parents in Todd County until 1951 when he joined the army.  He served for two years.  After being honorably discharged, he returned to Todd County and became partners with his father on the family's ranch.  He married Mary Lou Dougherty in 1955.  To this union six sons were born.  In 1962 they moved to the Ideal community.  They made their home on the Bill Wohlleber place.  Don liked cattle, but his heart was in farming.  Don milked cows for over 40 years on the farm that he loved.  He was a substitute mail carrier for 20 years.

Don is remembered as a quiet, loving and attentive husband, father, and grandfather.  Even though he suffered a life-altering medical event at the age of 65, Don remained a vital part of his family and is dearly loved.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Mary Lou; six sons, Joe (Cathy) of Sioux Falls, SD; Dave (Carol) of rural Winner, SD; Scott (Michelle) of Morgan, MN; Chris (Kim) of Chamberlain, SD; Vance of Winner, SD; Marty (Roni) of rural Winner; fourteen grandchildren Ryan (Candice) Phillips, Lindsay Phillips, Teresa Phillips, Colleen (Curt) Barnickel, Jake Phillips, Rachel (Kevin)
Brower, Casey (Carol) Phillips, Haley (Zach) Phillips, Collin (Hannah) Phillips, Ella, Grace, and Owen Phillips, Dawson and Garret Phillips and eight great grandchildren: Devin, Drew, Caleb, Noah, Alice, Isaac, Elizabeth, Elyse; sisters-in-law Betty Sell and Lucille Dirks and brother-in-law Wayne (Judy) Dougherty; and numerous nieces and nephews; and his dear caretaker Carla Lebert.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: sisters Mary (Jack ) Swartz, Peggy (Melvin) Duerfeldt, Sister Patrice and brother Jack,  Mother-in-Law, Orpha and Father-in-Law, Patrick.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be designated at a later date.