Carl Leon Phillips

Carl Leon Phillips was born on February 22, 1950, in Delta, Colorado, to Louis Donald Phillips and Esther Harriet Smith. After graduating from Delta High School, Carl answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. Over the course of more than 22 years of distinguished military service (1969 - 1991), he rose through the ranks to become a Chief Hospital Corpsman.

Carl served as a Field Medical Service Technician, Senior Ward Corpsman, Platoon Corpsman in the Republic of Vietnam, Independent Duty Corpsman, and Navy Recruiter. He later held leadership positions as Leading Chief Petty Officer of Military Medicine and Acute Care at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, and Leading Chief Petty Officer of Military Aviation Medicine at Naval Hospital Corpus Christi, Texas.

Throughout his military career, Carl dedicated himself to caring for sailors and Marines, mentoring younger service members, and leading medical teams with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

His distinguished service earned him numerous military honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal in Combat V with 1 Bronze Star, Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation with 2 Bronze Stars, Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal with Marine Corps Emblem and 2 Bronze Stars, Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol Ribbons, along with multiple Letters of Commendation.

His military career remained one of his greatest sources of pride, and the values of honor, courage, commitment, and selfless service guided him throughout the rest of his life.

Carl was a man of deep faith whose relationship with God was a guiding force in his life. His faith shaped the way he treated others with compassion, generosity, and a servant's heart; and provided him with strength through life's challenges. He found comfort in God's creation and sought to share that peace with those around him.

He found joy in hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, building model trains, writing poetry, and creating music. He was part of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Choir, a Chorister, and a valued member of the Safety Team. Whether exploring the mountains, spending time fishing, or simply sharing stories and jokes with family and friends, Carl cherished the beauty of the outdoors and the relationships he built throughout his life.

Carl was dedicated to helping at Welcome Home Alliance For Veterans and was a constant presence there. He helped at every event and was especially known for his legendary waffles at the pancake breakfast. He loved being a part of Guitars for Veterans and proudly supported his fellow veterans. Giving back to his community was important to Carl. He handcrafted wooden toys to bring smiles to children both locally and overseas, sharing his kindness far beyond his own community and mentored young people by teaching them to appreciate nature and find peace in the outdoors. He believed that even the smallest acts of kindness could make a lasting difference.

Carl passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, at Delta Memorial Hospital, surrounded by love. He will be remembered for his faith, devoted service to his country, love of family and friends, generous spirit, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy of service, compassion, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Donald Phillips; his mother, Esther Harriet Smith; and his brother, James Howard Phillips.

He is survived by his brother, Donald Louis Phillips; his children, Matthew Todd Phillips, Melanie Dawn Woolstenhulme, and Tiffany Danae Hahn; his sister-in-law, Joyce Phillips; his nieces, Jill Greenberg and Heidi McCarthy; and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

Carl’s memorial service will be held July 14th 10:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Service in Delta, Colorado, his burial will be held July 14th at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a local veterans organization or youth programs in Carl's memory, continuing the legacy of service and giving.