Jack Phillips

Jack Erwin Phillips of Mexia, Texas died Friday, January 1, 2010 in Parkview Regional Hospital of complications from pneumonia. Born in Mexia, Texas on October 1, 1927 to John George Phillips and Bettie Erwin Phillips, Jack was a lifelong resident of Mexia. He graduated from Mexia High School in 1944 and went on to earn degrees at The University of Texas and Baylor University. Like his grandfather and father before him, Jack was very industrious. As a young boy, he learned the value of hard work laboring alongside his father in the family's retail clothing business. Karner-Phillips Department store was founded by Jack's grandfather in 1878. Jack would often accompany his father on buying trips to New York for the clothing business. He further honed his business acumen helping his father develop the Lytle-Phillips Oil Company. With a solid foundation in business, Jack left Mexia to attend the University of Texas where he earned his business degree in May 1949. His love of the oil and gas business drove him to further his education by earning a degree in Geology from Baylor University. Armed with both real world knowledge and two degrees, Jack returned to Mexia to run the family businesses. An entrepreneur by spirit, Jack was known to always be "building something". In the early 50's he expanded the Karner-Phillips Department Store and Gift Shop to over 10,000 square feet of retail space. In the 60's, he built The Town House Apartment complex. In the 70's, by the sweat and toil of his own hands, he built a ranch in the country, laying every brick himself. For some, it's called Fallon Farms but to other's it is more fondly referred to as "The House That Jack Built". During this time, he also gutted the old livery stable downtown and built his office at 210 N. Sherman. The 80's brought on a new project, the complete renovation and remodeling of the Bessling, Cannon, Phillips home, est. 1896 where he and his wife Mary have lived for the past 20 years. In the 90's Jack built a spacious apartment over the garage, complete with an elevator for Mary's parents who were getting on in years. Through the decades and under Jack's steady hand, the businesses thrived. Although he sold the Karner-Phillips Department store in 90's, he continued to be involved in the oil and gas business right up until his death. Survivors include his loving wife Mary, daughter Nancy Mitchell and her husband Lee of Bella Vista, AR and his wife's son Paul Berg of Georgetown, TX. Grandchildren include Caroline and Jack of Bella Vista, AR and Sam, Anne Marie, and Sophie of Georgetown, TX. Nieces and Nephews Johnny Steele of Plano, TX, Susan Steele of Plano, TX and Martha Ann Scheiblich of Columbia, SC. Additional survivors include numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, a very special friend, Peggy Wilson of Mexia, TX along with caregivers Krysta Stevens, Stephanie Haar and Kim Ferguson. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 9th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at The Hamilton House, 108 N. Canton Street, Mexia, TX. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org) P.O. Box 96246 Washington, DC 20090-6246