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Rockford Lear Phillips. Rocky was born in Brazil, IN, on August 24, 1919, and raised in Danville, IL. He graduated from Millikin University and joined the Navy at the start of WWII. During the war, he flew F4F Wildcats off air craft carriers in the Pacific and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in the Battle of Leyte Gulf surviving the sinking of the USS Gambier Bay. From 1959-1962 he was the executive officer at Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility at Kirtland AFB. He was stationed all over the world, from London to the Philippines, moved 27 times, and retired with the rank of Commander. After retirement, he returned to Albuquerque where he opened a lease-car business and later an antique store called Buddha Antiques. Rocky was an avid swimmer having been on the Danville High School swim team, life guarding, and running the Danville YMCA pool through high school and college. He continued this tradition of swimming and for years was a morning fixture at Los Altos Pool. He had an active life which included much volunteer work including years at the Rio Grande Nature Center. Rocky was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Rosemary. He is survived by his children and their families, Stephen and Karlene Phillips, Ryan and Kasey; Bonnie Thompson, Wendi and Christy; and Eric and Debra Phillips, Ian and Lauren; and three great-grandsons. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center (FRGNC), 2901 Candelaria NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Cottages for their kind and competent care in his last few months.
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