Donald Gene & Nichola "Nicki" Sue (Lewis) Phillips, of Mexico, passed away together with their beloved dog, "Bennett" on April 1, 2023, at their home.

A Memorial Service for Donald and Nicki will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 8 at Arnold Funeral Home with Rev. Glenn Forman officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Donald was born on January 3, 1939, in Monroe County, the son of Bruce Ellis and Mildred Grace (Miller) Phillips.

Nicki was born on September 23, 1942, in Mexico, the daughter of Helen Roberta (Peer) Lewis.

They were married on June 12, 1960, in Mexico, and spent 62 years together.  They loved bowling and spending time with their family.

Donald farmed the majority of his life as well as had Mink and Bees. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Nicki worked at Hickman's for 13 years. She then went to Dawn Food and retired from Hawthorne Elementary School where she was a cook. She enjoyed crocheting and making blankets for the grandchildren. She was a cook at Camp Cedar Crest during the summer. Her family said she was the best cook!

Donald and Nicki are survived by their four children, Linda Meek of Centralia, Brenda (Ed) Besalke of Centralia, David (Sherry) Phillips of Vandalia and Gary (Holly) Phillips of Fulton; 16 grandchildren, Scott (Lisa) Meek, Kimberly (Steve) Lambert, Sabrina Meek, Brandi (Beau) Besalke, Sara (Dexter) Bruce, Jessica (Alex) Goodman, Charlie (Kayla) Besalke, Alex Besalke, Aaryn Phillips (Jason Terry), Carleigh Phillips (Chandler Gutermuth), Makalyn Phillips (Lily Brachio), Nichole (Zachary) Swopes-Willhite, Victoria Parsons, Allison (Andy) Gilmore, Morgan (Charlie) Mannix and Dalton Phillips; and 21 great-grandchildren.

They were preceded in death by their parents, Bruce and Mildred Phillips and Helen Lewis; and Donald's two siblings, Mary McCullum and Carl Phillips.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S/. Jefferson St., Mexico, MO 65265.