Homer Hiatt Phillips

Homer Hiatt Phillips, 90, died Wednesday, May 17, 2017 att his home. He was born May 26, 1926, to Edna Hiatt Phillips and Walter Harrison Phillips at their farm home north of Centerville, Iowa.

He attended country schools and graduated from Centerville High School in 1943. He was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served until the end of World War II. He was a Navy gunner on a merchant marine victory ship making trips to the South Pacific with war supplies and food. After his discharge he returned to Centerville and farmed with his father and brother.

He married Barbara Espy in January of 1948 in Ottumwa, Iowa, and to this union four children were born. He and Barbara bought a farm north of Centerville in 1948 and lived there until 1995. He worked at various times for John Morrel’s in Ottumwa. He started his own construction company in approximately 1960 and continued that business until 1995. He was an active Farm Bureau member for many years, also an active member of the Lions Club both in Centerville and Bella Vista, Ark.

One of the delights of his life was flying airplanes. He was in partnership with three others in a Cessna for many years. He also belonged to the Experimental Aircraft Association for many years keeping his membership after he moved to Bella Vista.

In 1995 he and Barbara retired to Bella Vista where he built their dream home, returning to Iowa in the summer of 1996 to build a home in Altoona for his youngest son. After returning to Bella Vista, he became very involved with Habitat for Humanity helping to build several houses in Bentonville, Ark. He then started to work for the Property Owners Association of Bella Vista at the Highlands Golf Course.

He and Barbara attended Dale Church north of Centerville, the First Baptist Church of Centerville and Bella Vista Community Church in Arkansas serving on various boards in all churches. He also attended Vaughn Presbyterian.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wilbur; sister-inlaw, Betty Phillips; half-sister, Elrene Holsey; and grandson, Judd Phillips.

He is survived by children and spouses; grandchildren and spouses; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Services have yet to be determined.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista.

Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.