
John Francis DePhillips
John Francis DePhillips, 73, of Johnston, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer on Feb. 19, 2024, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. John was born on July 26, 1950, in Des Moines. He grew up in West Des Moines in a strong, Catholic family where his faith and devotion continued to grow throughout his life. John attended Dowling Catholic High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Briar Cliff University. He joined the United States Navy in 1969 and was proud to serve his country. He married Kathleen Duff at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. John worked his entire career in the telephone industry, starting as an engineer and working his way into upper management.
He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and shooting skeet and trap. He loved his cars, especially his Jeep, Corvette and T-Bird. His final years of life were spent enjoying his grandchildren and deepening his faith. John was a generous man and helped many people, but he often did so quietly and discreetly.
John is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Elizabeth, Brian and Laurie; and grandchildren, Audrey, John, Lucy, Madelyn, Sienna, Gabriella and Mary Kate. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Mary; brother, Paul; mother-in-law, Geraldine Duff; father-in-law, William Duff; and sister-in-law, Maureen Duff.
A Latin Funeral Mass was held Friday, Feb. 23, at St. Augustin’s Catholic Church. Burial followed at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic School to be used for student tuition assistance. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and shooting skeet and trap. He loved his cars, especially his Jeep, Corvette and T-Bird. His final years of life were spent enjoying his grandchildren and deepening his faith. John was a generous man and helped many people, but he often did so quietly and discreetly.
John is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Elizabeth, Brian and Laurie; and grandchildren, Audrey, John, Lucy, Madelyn, Sienna, Gabriella and Mary Kate. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Mary; brother, Paul; mother-in-law, Geraldine Duff; father-in-law, William Duff; and sister-in-law, Maureen Duff.
A Latin Funeral Mass was held Friday, Feb. 23, at St. Augustin’s Catholic Church. Burial followed at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic School to be used for student tuition assistance. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.