Keith Roger Phillips, 82, of Arthur, died at 1:50 PM Monday, February 27, 2012 at St. Anthony's Hospital in Effingham.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, March 2, 2012 at the Vine Street Christian Church in Arthur with Rev. Dawn Ingram officiating. Burial will follow in the Arthur Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday at Shrader Funeral Home, 431 S. Vine Street, Arthur, with Masonic Rites at 8:00 PM.

Keith was born December 30, 1929 in Springfield, the son of Howard S. and Geraldine Berdina Piper Phillips. He was united in marriage to Margie Lee Williams in Sullivan on Oct. 2, 1948; she preceded him in death on June 25, 2011.

Survivors include 2 sons, Roger (Nancy) Phillips of Indianapolis, Indiana; Reginald (Martha) Phillips of Charleston; daughter, Renae Phillips and lifetime partner, Terrie Bennett of Lubbock, Texas; 6 grandchildren, Stephanie (Kyle) Phillips Scotten; Serenity (Matt) Phillips Row; Chad (Tiffany) Phillips; Hadley (Melissa) Phillips; Heather (Jamie) Phillips Lee; Christopher Phillips; and 11 great grandchildren.

Keith was a good athlete and especially enjoyed participating in track. He attended Eastern Illinois University and played trombone in the marching band in 1948. He briefly worked at the Arthur Factory Sales and was later employed at U.S.I. in Tuscola as the #1 Operator of the power plant from 1953-1988. He also helped his father on the family farm.

Keith was a member of the Vine Street Christian Church in Arthur; the Arthur Masonic Lodge #825 AF&AM; and was a member of the 32nd Degree Danville Consistory. He was a former mayor of Arthur for over a decade.

Keith loved to fish and hunt pheasants and rabbits. He and Margie enjoyed spending winters at Anna Marie Island, Florida, for many years.

Memorials are suggested to the Vine Street Christian Church, 249 S. Vine Street, Arthur, IL 61911.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.hilligossshraderfh.com