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Service:
A private family graveside service will be held
October 25, 2025, in Fruita, Colorado, at Elmwood
cemetery
Obituary
Phil was born in
Hartsburg, Illinois in 1937. He attended 1st grade
there in a room that held 1st, 2nd, & 3rd graders.
When Phil’s father died, the family moved to
Lincoln, Illinois. Phil attended Lincoln schools,
graduating from Lincoln Community High School in
1955. He treasured his classmates and was president
of his senior class. He was loyal to them so much
that when asked by the principal for the names of
who painted the “55” on the school’s chimney, he
would not give up their names even with the threat
of not going through graduation ceremony!
Growing up, Phil pretty much raised himself taking
all sorts of jobs like; cleaning out a pool hall
which led him to becoming a pool shark at 12 years
old winning enough matches to pay for lunches. He
found many other jobs like at a drive-in theater,
detasselling corn, laying railroad ties and cleaning
out a large chicken hatchery --- on hatch
night!!!!!! During these years, Phil picked up his
passion for basketball. Alone a lot, he would hunt
for a hoop and shoot for hours. He had a system that
would make him a marksman from anywhere on the
court. He would start in one spot and not move on
until he made 25 straight baskets, then he would
move to the next spot. Coaches began to notice this
kid. As a freshman, Phil subbed for the Varsity
team, but in his sophomore year he became a starter
for every Varsity game all the way through his
Senior year. The high school coach gave Phil support
and encouragement eventually becoming a substitute
father image who helped him acquire a full-ride
scholarship to Colorado A & M (now CSU) in Ft.
Collins, Colorado in 1955.
After graduation, Phil taught and coached at Orchard
Mesa Jr. High and Central High School in 1960 in
Grand Junction, CO where he met and married Nancy
Hightower in 1962. In 1968, Western State College
(now WCU in Gunnison, CO) awarded a coaching
fellowship to Phil that eventually led to being
Western’s Head coach of the Women’s basketball for 4
years and the Director of Financial Aide until 1988.
Then he was hired at Mesa State College (now CMU in
Grand Junction) as their Director of Financial Aide.
Phil and Nancy have three children, Debra in Grand
Junction, Brenda (deceased), John and wife Lily in
North Richland Hills, TX. The love Phil had for our
children, our grandchildren and great grandchildren
was beyond measure. The grandkids are: Nathaniel,
Racheal and husband Cody, Michael and wife Sasha,
and Samantha. The great grandchildren are: Duston,
Tylee, Greyson, Bryce, Wesley, Tyson, Remi, Finley.
No matter where they were, throughout his life, he
tried to make it to be with them and enjoy their
activities. He said to me once, “Grandma let’s go
get some noise”! He took them fishing, golfing, arch
hiking here and in Utah. His last words were to tell
them how much he loved them all. |
Phil's favorite scripture was
John 1: 1-14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh
and dwelt among us." As patriarch of the Swille family, Phil
led with strong values and a deep faith. He led by "doing"
and being an example more than talking.
After 63 years being with this
special man, I am deeply thankful for the medical staff who
gave many years of support and care to Phil. Also, the
family is very grateful for the love and prayers of all the
family and friends.
A private family graveside service will be held October 25,
2025, in Fruita, Colorado, at Elmwood cemetery at 1:00pm.
DONATIONS: Phil would want everyone to contribute to an
organization that you feel passionate about.
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