Timothy Joseph John Phillips, 69, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, after recently being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Born on January 24, 1957, in Florissant, Missouri, as the oldest son in a family of nine children. As the first boy after four sisters, he was thoroughly spoiled before eventually embracing his lifelong role as the aggravating big brother to his younger siblings- a role many would say he proudly held until the very end.
Tim lived life at full throttle. He was adventurous, stubborn, loyal, hardworking, and never one to sit still for long. He loved the outdoors and was happiest near the water. Fishing, boating, floating, camping, snorkeling, scuba diving, and exploring new places brought him endless joy. Whether he was on a lake, river, at a campground, in the Ozarks, or visiting Captain Joe in Key West, Tim was always planning the next adventure, including flying planes.
At an early age, Tim developed a passion for cars, learning from his father and later working at the Schopp’s gas station. That passion became a lifelong pursuit. Buying, selling, trading, diagnosing and/or fixing, and talking about cars were simply part of who he was. His love for the automotive industry started with him as a mechanic, service advisor, service manager, and ultimately led him to own Assured Automotive, a business he built with great pride.
Tim believed deeply in “Honesty, Integrity, and Pride”- values that became the motto of Assured Automotive and guided both his business and his life. To him, a handshake (or a hug) meant something, your word mattered, and people deserved to be treated fairly.
He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends. Whether through the Brothers Club, the Florissant crew, the Lions Club, or any other various club, along with Assured Automotive, Tim built friendships everywhere he went. He was the guy who always “had a guy” and was always willing to help.
More than anything, Tim loved his family. His wife, kids, and grandkids were his life. He treasured being accepted as an “Outlaw” to the Young’s spouses. He was honored to have the title of husband, father, father in law, grandpa, papaw, brother, brother in law, and uncle.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Phillips of 31 years; his children, Joshua (Amanda) Phillips and Jaclyn (Mike) Gallagher; his grandchildren, Olivia (Evan) Phillips, Lacie Phillips, Mikey Gallagher, Keegan Gallagher, Ella Gallagher, and Colin Gallagher; his sisters Mary Anne (Dan) Snyder, Linda (Walt) Bogart, Pattie (Steve) Homeyer, and Susie Phillips; his brothers Rick (Christa) Phillips, Danny Phillips, and Joe Phillips; his in-laws- Joe (Pam) Young, John Young, Suzanne (Tim) Espy, Mary Ann (Wayne) Schwab, and Kathleen (Mike) Rysanek; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, customers, and friends who became family.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kaitlyn “KK” Phillips; his granddaughter, Millie Gallagher; and his sister, Peggy McPherson, his parents Richard and Mary Phillips and in laws John (Jack) & Carol Young.
Tim’s family finds comfort in knowing he is reunited with KK, undoubtedly sharing fishing stories, making new friends, and keeping everyone entertained.
To know Tim was to know adventure, laughter, loyalty, and love. He lived fully, worked hard, loved fiercely, and left every place a little louder than he found it. His stories will be told for generations, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation Sunday, June 28, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois Rd and Monday, June 29, 9:00 a.m. until Mass 10:00 a.m. at Most Sacred Heart Church, 350 E 4th St (Eureka). Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Washington University NF Clinic. To donate, visit https://wustl.advancementform.com/campaign/medicine/give?0_d_tr1=71&sc=NG&0_d_tr2=287