Basil E. Phillips, 91, died Saturday at the VAMC in Sioux Falls. He was born February 17, 1917 in Colman, SD to Harry and Wealtha (Stephens) Phillips. He graduated from Egan High School in 1935. Basil joined the navy on January 18, 1936 and was discharged on October 7, 1945 having spent most of his time in the South Pacific. After his discharge, he went to work for Pacific Telephone Co. and met and later married Helen Kessler in Old St. Mary's Catholic Church in Stockton, CA on February 22, 1946. He transferred to Northwestern Bell in 1950 and was in Sioux Falls until his retirement in 1972, after 32 years. They moved to Mobridge and later Chamberlain where he drove school bus for a number of years. They moved to Hartford, SD, Las Vegas, NV and then to Flandreau in 1999 where they have continued to make their home. Basil is a member of Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus in Sioux Falls, and a life member of the Disabled Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Basil is survived by his wife, Helen; a daughter, Arlene Mossefin, Yankton; a son, Mark (Jean), Hartford; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harold and Charles.


Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Tuesday at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church with burial at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis. Visitation begins at 5:00 pm Monday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with a 7:00 pm scripture service.