Ralph DeLos Phillips

Ralph DeLos Phillips, 89, of Lake City, FL passed away on December 2nd, 2025. Born on July 22nd, 1936, in Lycoming County, PA to DeLos and Mary Phillips, Ralph lived a life of dedication to his family, profession and community.

Following High School, Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served as an Air Traffic Controller and was stationed in Korea as well as various state side assignments. Upon leaving the Air Force he earned his B.A. as an educator in Industrial Arts at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO. While in college, he met his future wife Elaine Guenther who also became a teacher. Following a brief stint teaching in Oak Grove, MO he and his wife Elaine moved to the East Coast for a teaching job in Pennsville, N.J. teaching woodshop while she taught Home Economics and Child Care. During his time in Pennsville he and his wife raised 4 children while also earning their private pilot's license and an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic license. For 17 years, Ralph was also very active in Scouting, helping kids learn skills and enjoy the world of camping and hiking in the outdoors. Following retirement, both he and Elaine moved to Lake City, FL and enjoyed retirement spending their time flying their airplane, introducing kids to flying through the Young Eagles Program, and traveling the world. In 2005 in Osh Kosh, WI, Harrison Ford awarded Ralph and Elaine the most top outstanding award for their most unique work for the Young Eagles program. No one had ever won that award.

Ralph was a dedicated teacher, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was predeceased in death by his sister Doris and brother Roy, and is survived by his brother Larry, sisters Janet and Jean, his wife Elaine, daughter Cheryl, sons Kevin, Carl and Chris, and multiple grandkids and great grandkids.

Ralph enjoyed woodworking, flying, traveling, just tinkering around, building projects for his neighbors, and spending time with his grand kids and great grand kids.

In lieu of flowers, Ralph would prefer you make a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee. He wanted children to have the same opportunities that he had.