Phillip H. Smith

Phillip H. Smith, 68, of Clifton, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born June 6, 1954 in Kankakee the son of Hayward and Marcella (Harmon) Smith. On August 23, 2003 he married Debbie Denton in Momence, Illinois. Phillip served in the United States Navy and was a Medical Laboratory Technician. He worked at Armstrong for many years and then at various hospitals & labs in the area. Phillip collected antiques, coins, bottles, albums, and CDs. He enjoyed science, astronomy, history, and metal detecting. Phillip survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Smith of Clifton; a daughter, Jessica (Scott) Ulmer of Louisiana; two stepsons, Eric (Jennifer) Eckhoff of Wellington and Evan (Sarah) Eckhoff of Onarga; a sister, Kim (Doug) Benbow of Fox River Grove; grandchildren, Gavin, Scotty, Kaylie, Mary, Eva, Jonathon, Jackie, Michael, and Vincent; great grandchildren, Artemis “Lil Turnip”, Emberlee, and Greyson; nephews, Tyler and Blake Benbow. He is preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 7, 2022 from 1pm until 4pm at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.