Donald Ray Phillipps, 83 years old of Burwell, Nebraska passed away on May 25, 2020 at Burwell Community Memorial Health Center.
He was born January 11, 1937 in Burwell, Nebraska to Henry “Bum” and Sarah (Johnson) Phillipps.
He graduated from Burwell Jr. Sr. High school in 1955. He was a great athlete. His specialty was track where he really excelled at sprints and long jump. He won 4 gold medals his senior year at the state high school track meet. He held the record for the fasted 100 yard dash and long jump for years. He went to a University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska on a scholarship in track, where he studied to become an Ag teacher. While in college he married his high school sweetheart Georgene “Genie” Nightengale on June 9, 1957.
After graduation he worked for the Warren Olson ranch near Bartlett Nebraska. He loved to rodeo where he competed in calf and team roping. He wasn’t only a fan of the Burwell Rodeo, he also served on the board and was also instrumental in organizing the Burwell High School rodeo for years.
When he moved to Burwell he taught Agricultural education for 30+ years until he retired. He was a wrestling coach, basketball coach, girls track coach leading many to the state finals. He also took several teams of FFA members to state and even national range and livestock judging contests. He and his wife Genie won many range judging contests together. He loved to watch the horse races, fishing, hunting and trapping just like his father Bum. His kids called him the recreation director because every weekend he had fun activities planned for them like ice skating, sledding, camping, water skiing, playing all kinds of fun activities.
He is survived by his children: Sherry and Keith Jarvis, Jill Phillipps and fiancé JP Conrad, Steve and Holly Phillipps all of Burwell, Grandchildren: Tyler and Sarah Swett, Rachelle and Travis Wright and Cooper Phillipps all of Burwell, Great Grandchildren Miles Wright, Colter Wright, Myah Wright and Taysen Swett all of Burwell. Many other nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by: his wife Georgene Nightengale Phillipps; parents Henry and Sarah Phillipps; sisters, June Campbell and Eula Mae Scherzberg and a brother Dale Phillipps.
The graveside service will be held at Cottonwood Cemetery in Burwell on Monday June 1, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. (Please bring a chair for seating)
Memorials are suggested to the Burwell FFA Chapter. Hitchcock Funeral Home in Burwell is in charge of arrangements.
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