Cleo M. Phillips, Sr., was born to the parentage of the late Mr. & Mrs. Lafayette (Alberta) Phillips, Sr., on a cold wintery day on January 8, 1944. As a child he was taught the meaning and value of work by his father.  Cleo was a graduate of Central High School New Boston, TX.

Cleo confessed his love for Christ at a very early age in life as a child.  He united with the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Percy Brown. He was baptized in Holly Creek located near the old home place.  In later years he was ordained as a deacon of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. In addition, he served as the Church Treasurer and remained a faithful, loyal member and officer until his death.

Cleo always utilized the values of work that he was taught as a young boy.  He worked at Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant for several years.  Often, he would walk to work because of lack of transportation, because he was a strong willed and determined young man.  After leaving Lone Star he took a job with the federal government at Red River Army Depot and made it a career. He was employed with the government for twenty plus years, where he served in many capacities. Cleo also served his community. He was an active member of the Christian Coalition for Unity (CCU).  He served on the Board of Directors and as Historian for the CCU. He also was President and organizer of Holly Creek Hunting Club, New Boston TX.  It's no wonder he organized the hunting club because hunting and fishing were two of his greatest passions.

On August 18, 1990, Cleo married the late Sarita P. Alley and to this union one child Latonia Clerita Phillips was born which also preceded him in death.   He was also preceded in death by one son, Stephen Gladney.  In addition, he was preceded in death by four siblings: three brothers; Lafayette Phillips Jr., Osceola Phillips Sr., Walter Phillips Sr., and one sister Freda Jo Spratt.

He leaves precious memories that will be cherished for life by his family, friends and loved ones: children, Sundra Gladney and Tracey Phillips Aubrey, TX.  Kim (Teresa) Phillips, Lewisville TX and Cleo Phillips, Jr. New Boston, TX.  Loved as his child, Jordan (Dionana) Banks, Austin TX. His siblings two sisters Elvie Marie Phillips and Thelma Lois (Billy M) Miller all of Ft. Worth, TX. Grandchildren; Urian and Zion Phillips; loved as grandchildren, Krystle Horsley, Jakylah and Janae Banks; Godchildren; Cassandra Woods, Debra Rose, and Darius Ellis; and other relatives, neighbors, and friends. Even though he had many friends there was one genuine friend, Ardis Cotton Jr.