Robert "Dean" Phillips

Robert “Dean” Phillips

Dean, 60, of Missoula, went to walk with the Lord on Thursday, December 29^th, 2022.

Dean was born in Missoula,  on August 1^st 1962 to the proud parents Robert and Luellva “Peach” Phillips and brother Steven.

Dean began his education in Libby Montana at Plumber grade School. The family then returned to Missoula where Dean went to Lowell School through 3^rd grade.  His mother then moved the family across town where she married Sherm Jenne and the family built a home on Mount St.  Dean graduated from C.S. Porter grade school in 1976. The next 4 years Dean excelled in High school and graduated from Sentinel High School in 1980.

Dean was one of the original staff when Mr. Steak opened and worked there becoming a memorably great waiter until his tragic diving accident at Seeley lake in June 1986. The accident left Dean a  quadriplegic and thus the second life for Dean began. From that day forward we would like to thank all of the special medical staff, nurses, and special care givers that allowed Dean to continue and have such a productive and fulfilled life. Especially his special friend and caregiver Cleo Estill.

After a few years Dean did not want to be a burden on society and chose to return to school. He chose a career as a computer programmer and graduated from the University of Montana Computer Programming Department in 1996. Immediately after he finished school he was employed at Logistic Systems in Missoula. Dean felt so honored and proud to have such a great place to work and be a contributor to society and no longer a burden.  This allowed Dean to purchase his home close to his mom Peach, buy his specialized van, and drive himself, thus regaining his independence and freedom. Dean eventually became a Program Manager with Logistic Systems and was still working for them until his passing. He loved everyone there that he worked with and many will surely miss his always smiling face.

Dean was raised in the Assembly of God Church as a young boy and loved summers at Big Sky Bible camp. Dean renewed his life with the Lord again before his tragic accident. On a beautiful Sunday Dean and friend Don left the Church in Seeley lake where Deans life forever changed but his enduring love of the Lord never wavered or faltered. His special attitude through this life was an inspiration to everyone who met and knew him. If you were lucky and met Dean you realized that he was a very special, loving, caring person. Deans love of God led him on a trip with the help from his special friend and caregiver Cleo to Norway where his Fellowship was founded. It was an amazing journey that he cherished the rest of his life.

Dean is survived by his mother Peach Jenne, brother and sister in-law Steven and Jamie Phillips of Missoula. His younger brother Mike and wife Sarah Hankel of Vancouver Wa. Dean also has 3 nephews, Sean, Donovan, and Devin all of Missoula, Niece Regan and her husband Zach of Westerville Oh. Many cousins across America will also be missing Deans smiling face and witty conversations. Dean is also survived by the many families in his fellowship who always considered Dean family including the entire Zetterberg family.

Dean will be joining in Heaven his father Robert who passed in 1994, his Grandparents, Louise Willison, Vern Willison, and Ada Phillips,  4 uncles, Lyle, and Virgil Phillips, Alfred “Will” Willison and just last year Eugene Willison from Covid.

Visitation and Services will be held at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway Missoula Montana at 1pm on January 7^th 2023.  Services start at 1 pm with viewing one hour prior. A reception will follow on site. Donovan and Devin Phillips will be Honorary Pallbearers.  Burial will take place on Monday January 9^th at the Missoula County Cemetery at 10 am.