William Junior Phillips

Over 66 years together, Beverly (Bev) Ann Land Phillips passed away on January 14, 2023 and William (Bill) Junior Phillips passed away on January 23, 2023, neither wanted to live without the other. They said til death, but meant eternity. 24,289 days were spent married and Bill could only bear 9 days without Bev. They rest now, together eternally.


Bev was born on December 17, 1938 in Oxford, NE to Earl (Bill) Matthew Land and Grace Christine Bowen Land. Her childhood was spent in Oxford, NE as well as graduating in 1956 from Oxford High School. She was a Kitchen Manager for Boulder Valley School District and a Tupperware Dealer. She was a very passionate member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and held many positions. She did private catering including wedding cakes. She loved being an accomplished Chocolatier. Her hobbies included scrapbooking, ceramics, cardmaking, doll collection, sewing,doing crafts, and traveling with Candi along with many other friends.


Bill was born on June 28, 1933 in Riverton, WY to Louise Caroline Nelson Phillips and William David Phillips. His early years were spent in Kansas and Nebraska. He graduated in 1950 from Wilsonville High School, Nebraska. He continued his education at Kansas State University to gain his Civil Engineering Degree. He served in the Armed Forces (Army) and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Bill worked for the City of Boulder, CO from 1963-1979 as a Draftsman and eventually advanced to City Engineer. He continued Engineering in the private sector until retirement. As a senior citizen, he loved being a volunteer at Erie Middle School and building relationships with kids. He spent infinite time caring for his loving wife during their final months together.


Bill was the boy next door. Bill and Bev married on July 15, 1956 and honeymooned in Florida. They started their family in Newton, KS, then moved to Boulder, CO in 1963. They enjoyed raising the kids in Boulder CO, later spending several years in Meeker, CO. Eventually they moved back to the front range settling in Erie, CO to be closer to their kids and grandkids.


At their home, the door was always open and everyone was welcome. Bev and Bill were marvelous cooks; everyone was a guest and was always well fed. They were loved by all and they never knew a stranger. They were exceptionally well known for their candy and cookie making at Christmas time and the nacho machine was always a covered dish! They were Moose members for over 60 years. They loved having critters, such as horses, chickens and goats. There were many adventures driving the motor home cross country to visit family and friends; also camping and fishing in their younger years. Canning and freezing was an annual fall family event. Everyone was included and everyone was family!


They were preceded in death by their son Matthew and his wife, Valerie. Bev was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings.


They are survived by a daughter, Candi and son-in-law, Steve, Lafayette, CO; Bev's brother, Robert and wife Charlene; Sean Cloud, wife Brenda and children Cole, Sadie and Seth; Joshua Phillips, wife Elizabeth, and children Sophia, Spencer and Stevie; Scott Cloud, wife Sarah and children Kayden, Sayer, Beckham and Cohen; Grace Phillips Cloud and fiance Josh Nicoletti. Also, survived by many nieces and nephews.


There will be a Burial in Oxford, NE in the Spring and a Celebration of Life sometime this summer.


Bev and Bill will be missed by many and will be in our memories forever.