Bob Phillips

As family and friends can surely attest, Bob Phillips truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength and encouragement, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing brought Bob greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones. He was a shining example of hard work and service to others, and his primary focus in life was building deep and personal relationships with all those around him. Dearly loved, Bob will be forever held close in the minds and hearts of those who knew him best.

The early 1950s were among the most influential years for the United States. Following the end of WWII, the baby boom was underway, and the economy was once again flourishing. Our nation also became a country of 50 states with the addition of Alaska and Hawaii. It was during this exciting time that Bob made his entrance into the world on January 13, 1955.

Growing up, Bob was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised on Mohawk Street in Kalamazoo, Michigan, which would be his home throughout his childhood. Bob was one of four children. His father supported the family by working at Shakespeare Products Company. His dad also had a wonderful singing voice and could often be heard softly singing a tune while working around the house. Bob’s mother, as sweet as they come, dedicated herself to raising her children and ensuring the home was peaceful and calm. She often woke early to make breakfast, and the smell of freshly cooked bacon frequently filled the home. Bob’s childhood was filled with adventure, exploring the forest near the house, building treehouses and forts, and playing Army with friends. Family vacations were great and plentiful. Each summer, the Phillips family enjoyed memorable camping trips. Their station wagon resembled something out of National Lampoon’s Vacation, but it allowed them to visit many bustling cities, beautiful locations, and breathtaking landmarks across the country, and even into Canada. Catching a double-header Cubs game in Chicago was also a regular trip.

Throughout his childhood, Bob attended local schools. He was always very active in athletics and especially enjoyed soccer and baseball. Bob’s first job was at the local Burger Chef in Kalamazoo, where he earned just 70 cents per hour! He graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School in 1973, then went on to pursue further education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Bob completed the Michigan State Police Academy and graduated from Northwestern University School of Staff Command as well.

New and exciting changes were in store for Bob when he met the woman who would quickly become the love of his life. Her name was Jeanette Manetta, and the two first met at a wedding where Bob was the best man and Jeanette was the maid of honor. There was an instant spark between them, and both knew without a doubt that they had met the person they would spend the rest of their lives with. Bob and Jeanette married in Detroit in 1980, and over the years, they were overjoyed to welcome their beloved children into their home: Kyle, Kristin, and Jared. Bob thrived in his role as a father, and he instilled in his children the importance of strong values and hard work. Later in life, he was thrilled to become a grandfather. Bob adored his grandchildren and passed his wisdom down to them as well. One of Bob’s lasting passions will forever be his love of soccer. He inspired his children and grandchildren to play his favorite sport. He always considered himself blessed to watch his family grow and include so many loved ones.

Bob was never afraid of hard work when it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him. His long career in law enforcement gave him the opportunity to serve his community in a variety of ways. Bob began working in law enforcement with the firm intention to make the world a better, safer place and to be a light to those around him. He certainly succeeded in this. Throughout his career, he received more than 50 letters of appreciation for his work, some of which he kept for his entire life. Bob served in law enforcement from 1973 to 2012. He believed then, and continued to believe, that most people he came in contact with were good, honest, hardworking individuals.

Never one to sit still for long, Bob pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He had a passion for coaching soccer and baseball, and he was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago Cubs. Bob enjoyed building models and painting, and he took great pride in caring for his home. He liked watching movies, shows, and documentaries about WWII or the Western Frontier. Bob enjoyed Spaceballs and anything by Mel Brooks, and his favorite songs included “City of New Orleans,” “Go Cubs Go,” “High Cotton,” and “Grow Old Along With Me.” He was well known for his deep and endless wisdom and great advice, particularly his “Pampa’s Top Ten: honor, courtesy, character, courage, respect, wisdom, humility, honesty, truth, and love.” He loved his dogs, and nothing made him happier than telling jokes and being goofy with his grandchildren. Bob was a firm believer in slowing life down and savoring each and every moment.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Bob Phillips, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. Always willing to go above and beyond to serve those around him, his big heart allowed him to touch the lives of countless others. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, Bob was a friend to many and beloved by all. His unshakable faith and core values formed the foundation of all that he did. As we continue in his footsteps, and one of his favorite songs or a recollection of Pampa’s Top Ten brings Bob to the front of your mind, remember also his most important and final words of advice: “Love your family like there is no tomorrow. Take time to listen to everyone carefully. Take time to see the joy your children bring into your lives. Live life to the fullest with a laugh, smile, or cry, and love every moment God gives you.”

Bob passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with cancer, with his wife, sons, and Elle by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor (2005) and Richard (2014); his sister, Karen (2020); and his “Snorkie,” Kristin (2019). Surviving are his wife, Jeanette; sons Kyle (Cindy) of Mulberry, FL, and Jared (Kathleen) of Ogden Dunes, IN; brother Rick (Carol) of Traverse City; and sister Cheryl (Dan) of Portage. Bob was always thankful for his amazing brothers-in-law, Dick (Mickie) of Naples, FL, and Lou (Lisa) of Cincinnati, OH; and sister-in-law Margaret (Charlie) of Rochester Hills, MI. They always treated him like a true member of their families. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. Bob will greatly miss his wonderful grandchildren: Arianna, Abigail, Matthew, Michael, Anthony, and Ainsley, but especially his “sweety-peetie,” Elle, who lived with Yaya and Pampa for many years.

A visitation will be held on Sunday (Sept 8) from 2-5 pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, (269) 375-2900. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday (Sept 9) at 10 am at St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 444 E. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; the U.S. Soccer Foundation, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, #1200, Washington, DC 20036; or the charity of your choice. Celebrate Bob’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.