Phillip David Hellis, Sr. (Phil) was born February 5, 1959, in Muncie, Indiana to parents Charles and Mabel (Smith) Hellis. The youngest of five siblings, he was preceded in death by his parents; sister and special brother-in-law, Linda and CJ Bright; sister Janice (Sis) Loehmann; and brother Tony Hellis. Phil is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Paula (Gray) Hellis; children Phillip David Hellis, Jr., (Rhonda) Amy Lafferty (Kenneth Switzer), and Wendy Stong (Mike); brother Larry Hellis (Peggy); grandchildren Hailley, Hannah, and Kinzlee Hellis, Jarrett Miller, Ryker Watts, and Isaac Stong; nieces Lori Logan, Tisha Lombard, and Jana Crowder; nephews Andrew, Adam, and Joshua Hellis, and Jeff Loehmann; several great-nephews and great-nieces; and his beloved canine, Wolfie. He is also survived by Amanda Hellis and family. Phil worked various jobs throughout his life, including surveyor and movie projectionist, but then moved to working security. He ultimately retired from the Public Safety Department at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, Indiana, in 2014. His final security job was with Intel in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. In 2010, he and Paula married and embarked on a series of adventures together, culminating in a move to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2016, and retirement to Bisbee, Arizona, in 2021. As a lifelong fan of the Old West, this was a dream come true for Phil. He and his wife had many great times, including visits to Tombstone, exploring the stomping grounds of Billy the Kid, and a 2022 trip-of-a-lifetime to Las Vegas. Unfortunately, in December 2022, esophageal cancer struck. Phil fought hard against the cancer and its complications, continuing with an upbeat spirit and enjoying life as much as possible, until it became obvious that cancer would win. He entered hospice on February 1, 2024, ultimately passing at home with his sweetheart on February 29, 2024. Phil enjoyed fishing, bird-watching, reading, cooking, watching movies, and playing the slots. He was a huge trivia buff, specializing in the Old West, World War II, movies, and many other subjects. He always said he had a "headful of useless knowledge," but it sparked many good conversations with those around him. Phil requested no traditional funeral. He opted for his body to be cremated and to undergo a process that transforms the remains into commemorative stones that will be distributed to family and friends, allowing a piece of him to always be with them. There will be two celebrations of his life for family and friends: March 30, 2024 - Pour House, Fieldon, IL; open house from 2-6 p.m. April 13, 2024 - Terre Haute VFW post 972, 1111 Veteran Square, Terre Haute, IN 47807, from 4-8 p.m. Donations for remaining medical expenses and to support the family are gratefully accepted at: Cash app - $CrazyRedMomby PayPal - pkhellis@aol.com Venmo - @pkhellis Zelle - 520-504-9096 or pkhellis@aol.com Or mail a check to: Paula Hellis, 100 Navajo Drive, Unit 201, Bisbee AZ 85603.