Kerry Phillips

Kerry Lee Phillips, 61, of Agency, died at 1:40 p.m. January 23, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. He was born August 20, 1960 in Ottumwa to Raymond Gene and Beverly Ann Collier Phillips. He married Cynthia Louise Jennings July 6, 1984. A graduate of Ottumwa High School, Kerry attended Indian Hills Community College, received a B.A. from Buena Vista University and a Master’s of Science in Education with a Specialist in Education from Drake University. Kerry owned and operated Phillips Sanitation in Ottumwa and was a licensed realtor. He worked 17 years as a teacher for the Cardinal School District, then as Cardinal Elementary Principal. He was superintendent for Harmony Schools and currently superintendent for Mormon Trail Schools. Kerry was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He enjoyed his dogs and spending time on the family farm. Surviving is his wife, Cynthia; their 4 children, Jacob Ryan Phillips and James Joseph Phillips both of Agency, and Jonathan Ray Phillips and Anna Marie Phillips both of Ottumwa; his mother, Beverly Phillips of Ottumwa; a sister, Kris (Mike) O’Malley of Ottumwa; and his step-mother, Sally Phillips of Ottumwa. He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Phillips and a brother, Kevin Phillips. Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 27th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. A Christian Wake service will follow at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed live on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, January 28th at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Patrick Hilgendorf presiding. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed live on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or Mormon Trail School.