Robert Lee Phillips
May 28, 1930 – October 20, 2025

Robert Lee Phillips, age 95, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, at The Gilbert Residence in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He was born May 28, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, to Percy and Mildred (Graham) Phillips.

From a young age, Robert had a deep love for the performing arts. He began tap dancing in second grade and continued through high school, later taking up ballet and performing in The Nutcracker during the 1970s. He also enjoyed acting and performed in many lead roles while attending Royal Oak High School. His favorite performance was playing Tom Sawyer in the high school production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer .

Robert developed a passion for flight which led him to join a Flying Club. He learned how to fly at the Big Beaver Airport in Troy, Michigan and proudly co-owned and piloted a Piper Comanche. Robert was always athletic—an amateur gymnast when he was younger. He exercised his entire life and did 30 pushups every morning, into his 90s. For his 93rd birthday he requested a pair of tap dance shoes. Upon receiving the gift he put on a brief performance.

To fund his livelihood, Robert became a computer programmer and worked as a contractor for many years at Ford Motor Company.

He is survived by his children April Shoemaker, Cheryl Levitt, Denise (Craig) Frey, and Sue (Art) Dorsey; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; sons James Phillips and Thomas Phillips; and siblings Roy Phillips, Nancy Ramonaitis, and Janet Neracher.

A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Stark Funeral Professionals with visitation beginning at 1 pm until the time of service (101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti).

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at The Gilbert Residence in Ypsilanti, Michigan for the truly remarkable loving care they gave Robert "Lee" these last four years, and to Heart to Heart Hospice who literally held his hand and made his final week of life on this planet very comfortable.