Gene Tunney Phillips

Gene Tunney Phillips was called home to Jesus on August 10, 2026. He was born on a farm in Thurston County, Nebraska on April 24, 1930. His youth was spent on the family farm where hard work, family, faith, and a love for the land shaped the man he would become. He graduated from Walthill High School in 1948. He farmed for 3 years after high school with his brother Duane before entering the service. After returning from Germany, where he was stationed, he married Elsa Piper on August 7, 1956. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1959. Gene and Elsa started their family in Lincoln, moved to Spaulding, and then settled in Stanton, where they raised their children. Gene spent his last 5 years in Elkhorn with family. A true patriot who proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, answering his country’s call with courage and dedication. Following his military service and college, he devoted his professional life to caring for the land and helping others through his career with the USDA Soil Conservation Service. He believed in serving others, doing what was right, and serving his community. He served on the Stanton Community Schools school board, United Methodist church board, Stanton Health Center board of directors, and was instrumental in the design and development of the Stanton Golf Course and Maskenthine Lake. Named after world heavyweight boxing champion Gene Tunney, it seems fitting that sports would become a significant part of his life. His love of sports, especially baseball, began as a child when he became a devoted follower of the Boston Red Sox. He often told stories of playing sports in high school and refereeing football and basketball games later on. He always seemed prepared for an impromptu game of catch. A football and baseball gloves/ball could almost always be found in the trunk of his car. He loved following all of the teams of his family. Whether sitting in the stands, watching from home, or listening to the latest score, he was always interested and always cheering them on. At 95, he could still be seen swinging his bat in the yard. Above all else, his greatest joy in life was his family. His love for his wife Elsa was a beautiful love story. They are now reunited and dancing the jitterbug across the floors of heaven. He treasured every moment spent with the people he loved the most. He was a teacher of life. He had a special way of turning ordinary moments into lessons and everyday activities into memories that would last a lifetime. He was the greatest cheerleader for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He made each one of them feel loved and important. He was invested in their lives, cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments. The boy who often rode his horse to school became a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, respected teacher, conservationist, community leader and patriot. His legacy lives on in all of the lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsa (Piper) Phillips; parents, Lester and Blanche (Beaudette) Phillips; brother, Duane Phillips; sister, Dorothy Hill; and son-in-law, Frank Brower. Gene is survived by his children: Reva (Dana) Altman, Joni Brower, Bret (Jean) Phillips, Lesa Verplank, and Steve (Jane) Phillips; grandchildren: Jordan, Chase (Rachel), Spencer, Audra (Danny), Grant, Jared (Rachel), Beau (Liz), Elise (Troy), Brittany (Stephan), Luke (Maggie), Colton, Tara, Dirk (Melissa), Kirsten (Tim), Ryan (Megan), and Brooke; great-grandchildren: Jade, Carter, Ray, baby girl Poppen, Nora, Maddox, Rhea, Eleanor, Oliver, Kael, Knox, Nash, Timmy, Nolan, Collins, Bella, Gabby, Emma, and Rosalie; beloved sister, Marilyn Schmedding; and son-in-law, George Verplank. A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM, with a luncheon to follow.

Gene Tunney Phillips

April 24, 1930 - August 10, 2026