Eugene was the main financial supporter of his family. There were also many roadbumps with insurance, hospital bills, etc. during his battle. We are making this Go Fund Me to help lessen the financial burden the family has during this time of grief. They have held strong during these years, and deserve to find as much peace as possible, even though their understandable sorrow. If you feel led to donate, please do. If you can't, please just say a prayer for comfort as the family navigates this new journey of life without their Blue. Feel free to share this Go Fund Me as well, as Eugene had so many who cared for him.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Walter Eugene Phillips (Gene/Blue), beloved husband, father, son, unc, and friend, passed at the young age of 64, on May 15th, 2025. He was the bright light and sound of laughter in every room that he entered. He fiercely loved everyone that he came into contact with, and made even strangers feel the love and kindness that came from within him. He was the absolute best husband to the love of his life, Kendra, and the most wonderful father to his baby girl, Kristin (Little Blue). Most importantly, he was a fierce man of God, and trusted Him in all aspects of his life.

Unfortunately, during his lifetime, specifically the last four years, he went through a series of serious medical issues. In 2007 he had a heart attack, and thus began his journey. Within the next couple of years he ended up having to get a defibrillator/ pacemaker, and his heart function declined. After this, he was on the transplant list, until he finally got the call for his new heart on February 25, 2021. There were some complications right after his transplant, as it was a major surgery and life adjustment, but things started to look up soon after. The family had hope for a healthy future for him. Months later, he started having issues with his lungs. Infection kept spreading within them, causing fluid build-up and other issues. Not too long after that, his kidneys started to fail, and he was put on dialysis three days a week. He dealt with long-lasting immune issues, kidney disease, infections, lines and tubes, and so much more for several years before another dreaded illness came along.

He got diagnosed with a rare type of post-transplant cancer in the summer of 2024. After this, his health just started to decline due to all of his medical issues being exacerbated from what we assume was the chemotherapy taking it's toll on his energy and immune system. He fought so hard, but his body was just too weak to fight off his most recent diagnosis of pneumonia. On May 15, 2025 Eugene finished his race, and although bittersweet, he is finally at rest. 

In Memory of Walter Eugene Phillips

1960-2025