Clarence Eugene ‘Gene’ Phillips

Clarence Eugene “Gene” Phillips, 71, of Oak Harbor, died Sept. 30, 2003, at his home, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Phillips was born April 11, 1932, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Clarence Vascar Phillips and Margaret Jane (Gamble) Phillips. As a child, Gene moved with his family to Richmond, Calif., where he attended school. During the Korean Conflict, Gene entered the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in England, where he met Edna Brett. They were married in Richmond, Calif., on July 26, 1953. They were residents of Pinole, Calif., where Gene owned and operated Pinole Foreign Car Repair. In 1977, Gene moved with his wife to Orcas Island, where he became owner-operator of Gene’s Foreign Car Repair in Olga. He enjoyed cars, motorcycles and RVing with his wife.

Gene is survived by his wife, Edna, at home; three children, son Donald Gene Phillips and wife Debra of Pinole, Calif., and daughters Denise Gail Hendrix and husband Robert and Diane Irene Geragotelis and husband John, all of Oak Harbor; nine grandchildren, Jeff and Dean Phillips of Pinole, Calif.; Jeremy Hendrix and wife April, Michael Hendrix and Jacey Geragotelis, all of Oak Harbor; David Hendrix of Kirkland; Melissa Hendrix of Renton; Brittany Geragotelis of New York City and Amy Geragotelis of Tucson, Ariz.; three great-grandchildren, Austin, Connor and Trevor Hendrix; one brother, Ralph W. Phillips of Rodeo, Calif.; also, one sister-in-law, Irene Reeves of Desert Hot Springs, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings.

In keeping with Gene’s wishes, services will be private for family only. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, through the MAC Clinic at Whidbey General Hospital, or to Friends of Home Health Care, P.O. Box 400, Coupeville, WA 98239. Arrangements and cremation under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.