Richard "Rick" Phillips

Richard Eugene Phillips was born on February 15, 1953, to Harvey Elmer Phillips and Ona Marie (Williams) Phillips, in Kankakee, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Ona Phillips, his twin daughters, Sonya and Tonya Phillips, his sister, Judy Densmore, and his brother, Donnie Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Phillips, his two children, Melissa Mullett and husband Jim Mullett, Shawn Phillips and wife Kelly Phillips, his grandchildren, Johnathan Mullett, Anthony Mullett and wife Heather Mullett, Alex Phillips, Natili Phillips, Kylie Vanhorn, his great-grandson, Lucas Mullett, and his siblings, Norman Phillips, Janice Moore, Patti Tyler and husband Terry Tyler, and David Phillips and wife Marsha Phillips. Biography for Rev. Rick Phillips February 15, 1953 – May 19, 2025 A Life Poured Out in Service to the Kingdom Rev. Rick Phillips, age 72, a devoted husband, loving father, gifted musician, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed from this life into eternal rest on May 19, 2025. His life was marked by unwavering dedication to God, heartfelt worship, and a deep love for people. Born on February 15, 1953, Rick married the love of his life, Pam Phillips, on December 17, 1971. Their love was a true partnership in life and ministry, one that endured every season with grace, faith, and joy. Together, they raised their children in the presence of God and carried the gospel across the country with music and preaching that touched countless lives. Rick and Pam were blessed with four children: •Melissa Dawn (born July 19, 1973), •Sonya and Tonya (twins, born September 18, 1975; Sonya passed on the day of birth and Tonya passed on October 2, 1975), and •Shawn Richard (born July 31, 1978). Though they faced heartbreaking loss, Rick and Pam never lost faith. Instead, their trials deepened their commitment to serve God with all they had. In 1976, Rick turned away from a life in the entertainment industry and gave his heart completely to the Lord. That same year, he was baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Ghost, changing the course of his life forever. From the nightclub stage to the church altar, Rick’s music took on new purpose. He began writing gospel songs—his first two were “It’s Time for Sunday School” and “He Was More Than a Baby”, a Christmas song that has blessed churches for years. Rick began his ministry in Bus and Children’s Ministry, often preaching and singing alongside his family. In 1979, he began using ventriloquism as a creative way to minister to children, introducing beloved characters like BJ, Eddie, and Uncle Walter. His unique approach to sharing the gospel—through gospel magic, music, puppets, and heartfelt preaching—reached hearts of all ages. His ministry expanded quickly. In 1983, he preached his first revival in Lebanon, Missouri. In 1984, he pastored his first church in Camdenton, Missouri. In 1988, he followed the leading of the Lord and planted a Home Missions church in Newport, Oregon, which remains active to this day. He served in various roles throughout Oregon and California, including Sunday School evangelist at youth camps and camp meetings, where his heart for children and families continued to shine. In 1997, the Phillips family moved to southern Oklahoma to pastor. They returned to evangelizing in 2006 before settling in Chouteau, Oklahoma, in 2011, where Rick pastored faithfully until his passing. Rick began playing music at the age of 12, buying his first guitar with $2 and a BB gun. He taught himself to play entirely by ear, never learning to read music—but that never stopped him. His God-given talent was powerful and anointed, and his songs left a lasting imprint on every church and gathering he was a part of. More than a minister, Rick Phillips was a joyful laborer in God’s harvest. A man who never hesitated to go the extra mile if it meant one more soul could be reached. A devoted husband who adored Pam, and a father who led his family with prayer and purpose. His voice, laughter, and presence will be deeply missed—but his legacy will continue to echo through the lives he touched. We give thanks to God for all He accomplished through the life and ministry of Pastor Rick Phillips. Though our hearts mourn, we celebrate a life well-lived and a race well-run. Heaven has welcomed home a good and faithful servant.

Richard "Rick" Phillips

February 15, 1953 - May 19, 2025

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