Vernon Callan “Cal” Phillips

PAUL – Vernon Callan “Cal” Phillips of Paul, Idaho, passed away Sunday morning at the Twin Falls Care and Rehabilitation Center in Twin Falls, Idaho, at the age of 88.

Vernon Callan Phillips was born on March, 13, 1925, in Dayton, Idaho, one of 12 children born to Vernon Moroni and Bertha Sylvenia Callan Phillips. Shortly after graduating from Ammon High School in Eastern Idaho, Callan enlisted in the United States Army to serve in World War II in the 1st Cavalry. He fought in the Japanese Theatre primarily in the Admiralty Islands, New Guinea, and the Philippines. During World War II, Callan was wounded and received the Purple Heart for his service. He was discharged from the Army in 1945 and in that same year married Mable Jean Priest. The couple had six children and divorced several years later. His second marriage was to Marilyn Slack Hanshew in December of 1970. Callan and Marilyn were married 42 years until his death.

Callan spent his life as a farmer in Southern Idaho and Eastern Washington. He was admired for his kindness, integrity, honesty, and exceptional farming skills Once retired from farming, he became an avid car collector where his passion turned into restoring classic cars. He was a member of the Rupert Elks Club and also loved to travel. He was adored by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends and, will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Phillips of Paul, Idaho; daughter, Peggy “Louise” Rasmussen of Twin Falls, Idaho; son, Randy Phillips of Rupert, Idaho; daughter, Robyn Hardman of Albuquerque, New Mexico; stepson, Randy Hanshew of Acequia, Idaho; stepdaughter, Sherri Anderson of Cumming, Georgia; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Thelma Page and Beth Gray both of Idaho Falls, and Geraldine Barker of West Valley, Utah.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three daughters, Joan Phillips, Jamie Rasmussen, and Janet Phillips; and a stepson, Steven Hanshew.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. Burial will be in the Paul Cemetery with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Friends may call from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. Thursday at the Rasmussen Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wilson Theatre fund in care of Rasmussen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 878, Burley, ID 83318.