Argus :: Obits :: Richard Phillips

Richard “Rick” Phillips, 78, of Rushville died June 14, 2026, at the Lamoine in Macomb.

He was born Dec. 23, 1947, the son of the late Willard Benjamin Phillips and Zehrea B. Haber Phillips in Beardstown. He married Virgie “Luan” Eckroy on Aug. 7, 1998, in Rushville. She preceded him in death on Nov. 20, 2025.

Surviving are three daughters, Julie Davis (and Tom), Lynde France (and Nick) and Lori Thompson (and Mark); one son, Bryan Horsch (and Micki); three sisters, Pat Estep of Springfield, Sandy Wellbrock (and Lyle) of Anthony, Kan., and Diane Clow of Hannibal, Mo.; Troy Schenk (and Lindy), who he thought of as a son; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Rushville High School in 1965. He graduated from Illinois College in Jacksonville where he earned a bachelor’s degree in math education. While attending Illinois College, he was a member of the men’s basketball team, being the Conference champs and the first team to make the playoffs. He taught at various schools from 1969 to 2001 teaching at Rushville High School from 1980 to 2001. During his teaching career, he coached basketball at four different schools. After retiring from teaching, he worked at Western Grain Marketing.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Rushville.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 18, at 10 a.m. at Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with Rev. Dan Wise officiating. Burial will follow at Rushville City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 17, at the funeral home from 5-7 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Lamoine Benevolent Fund and Canton Crush Special Olympic Fund.

Rick Phillips