Philip Wayne Phelps, 74, of Urbana, Illinois passed away on Friday February 5th, 2021 from a stroke he suffered on January 25th.

There will be a visitation from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Thursday, February 11th, 2021 at the Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana, IL, followed by a private funeral service at 1pm officiated by Pastor Jeff Caithamer from St. John Lutheran Church in Champaign. All guests are required to wear a mask in the building. Thank you.

Philip was born on September 29th, 1946 at the Jarman Hospital in Tuscola IL, to parents James and Alice (Norman) Phelps. Phil graduated from Urbana High school in 1965 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. He was active duty until 1968 when he received an honorable discharge.  He remained on inactive duty until 1972. Phil also served as a full-time fire fighter from November of 1968 - November of 1995 where he retired as a lieutenant.

Phil attended DACC University and achieved his Applied Science degree in Fire Technology in 1979. He received a patent #4,616,734 for "Novel Roof Scaffolding" that aided in fighting fires. Phil was the President/Manager of the Urbana Municipal Employees Credit Union from October of 1980 – January of 1989. He was the President of Trustees Fire Department Pension Fund from 1975-1980. From June of 1996 – December of 2000 Phil was working at the U of I as a building service worker at I.S.R. Dining Hall and then was promoted to truck driver. He was truly a gentleman and a gentle man. He will be missed forever by those who loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Vickie; daughters Amy Phelps of Villa Grove, IL, Julie Kappes of Waverly, IL; grandsons, Tyler and Joshua (Yeslie) Dalton of Royal, IL; Victor and Vinnie Kappes of Waverly, IL; granddaughter Violet Kappes of Waverly, IL; great granddaughter Angelinee Dalton; great grandson Oliver Dalton of Royal, IL; brother-in-law Raymond Wimmer of Urbana, IL; father Jim Phelps of Urbana; sister Sharon (Dick) Slade of Champaign; brother Jim Phelps of Fayetteville, NC.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Brittany Celeste Kappes; sister Joyce Goen; his mother, Alice Phelps; and brother Gary Phelps.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the Special Olympics.

Online condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.