Keith L. Phillips, 75, of Peoria, formerly of Decatur and Sycamore, died Friday, April 15, 2005, at his residence. Born March 7, 1930, in Olney to Delbert and Marie Gauss Phillips, he married Dorothy Przysiecki. He later married Lotus E. Wright Smith on Aug. 17, 1975, in Sycamore.

Surviving are two sons, Wayne and Tim, both of Custer, Wash.; one daughter, Cathy (and Jay) Fechner of Geneva; two stepsons, Doug (and Susan) Smith of Chicago and Thomas Smith of Peoria; four stepdaughters, Susan (and Jerome) Meismer, Laura (and Ike) Hatchett and Terry (and Tom) Malone, all of Peoria, and Linda (and Eldon) Tatum of East Peoria; one sister, Barbara Pearce of Peoria, Ariz.; and four granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by one son, Brian, and one brother.

He worked for Country Companies Insurance in Bloomington for 20 years, retiring in 1990. He received his certified life underwriter diploma and graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree. He was a member of Pheasants Forever and Decatur Sports Club and was president of Sycamore Sportsmen's Club. He also was a volunteer instructor with Project Read in Decatur.

A memorial service at Wilton Mortuary with the Rev. Don Zumwalt officiating. Cremation will be accorded.

Published in Peoria Journal Star, The (IL) ~ Sunday, April 17, 2005