Donald Scott Phillips

Donald Scott Phillips, 65, of Colby, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. Don was born on July 12, 1959, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Melvin and Joanna (Howe) Phillips. Don was the youngest of three children, and they were raised on a farm in Rush County, Kansas where it was early to rise to feed the animals and where he learned to appreciate nature. Don attended and graduated from La Crosse High School with the class of 1977. After graduation he attended North West Kansas Vocational School (NWKSVS) at Goodland where he studied and became an electrician. In his first marriage, he became a beloved father of three beautiful children, Tara, Shawn, and Nicholas. He was so very proud and loved his children deeply and leaves behind a legacy of strength and compassion that can be seen today. In 1986, Don became a volunteer firefighter and went full-time in 1991. In 2000, a mutual friend introduced Don to who would become his second wife, Jennifer (Cressler). They were married for almost 22 years.

Don was an electrician in Colby, Kansas for 40+ years. He not only lit up a room professionally but also lit up a room by his presence to all who knew him. His firefighter buddies would often joke with him that he must have gotten his curly hair because he had been “zapped” one too many times. He loved jokes he told and pranks he played and that were pulled on him. Don was always part of a kaleidoscope of jokes and personal stories that friends and family cherish. Don was so proud to be a fire fighter. He loved serving others at pancake breakfasts, checking and putting safety locks on guns at gun shows, selling raffle tickets, and all of the other volunteer work he did for his community while keeping families safe and saving lives. He cherished his fire fighting family and mutual respect and love was returned in kind. As a personal business owner of Don’s Electric in Colby for 40+ years, he enjoyed sponsoring activities throughout the community. Don appreciated every customer who supported him in his business. The appreciation was returned through repeat and generational customers.

Don is survived by his devoted wife, Jennifer, who was his partner in life and play, his children, Tara (Scott) Phillips/Powell and Shawn (Maggie)Phillips, and his grandchildren, Maleia Powell and Hannah Powell. He is also survived by his siblings, Greg (Jeannie) Phillips and Mike Phillips; his nieces and nephews, Wade, Mitch, Mindy, and Jody; Aunts Mary Jane, Geneva, Vonda, and his Uncle Doyle, also Father and Mother-in-law, Bob and Judy Cressler, and Brothers-in-law Nathan Cressler and Ron Kesemeyer.

Don was preceded in death by his son, Nic; his parents; sister-in-law, Mary Rose; Aunt Jocene; Uncle Ben; Uncle Bob P.; Uncle Bob H.; and nephew, Ward.

The memories we cherish of Don will last a lifetime.

A graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials may be made to the Colby Fire Department or the NWKS Foundation for HOPE and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com