Bruce Allen Phillips

Bruce Allen Phillips, age 68, passed away on September 27, 2026, in Ohio. He was born on February 3, 1958, in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Norton, Kansas.

Bruce was a loving father, grandfather, husband, patriot, and believer. He dedicated 23 years of his life to serving his country in the United States Navy Intelligence and completed multiple overseas tours during his career. After retiring from the Navy, Bruce returned to the Midwest to be closer to his family. He later served as a funeral home associate at Jackman-Hensley Funeral Home in Harrison, Ohio.

Bruce was deeply proud of his military service and took great pride in passing on a strong sense of respect for the armed forces to his children. He was also a proud graduate of the University of Kansas and enjoyed following his beloved Jayhawks.

He cherished time with his grandchildren and took great joy in spoiling his dogs. He also enjoyed road trips, outdoor country concerts, visiting family, and attending Crossroads Church Man Camp. He had recently returned to Ohio to spend more time with his children, grandchildren and to rebuild his marriage and family life.

Those who knew Bruce will remember his unwavering patriotism, his willingness to drop everything to help someone in need, and his quirky, dry sense of humor. He was the kind of person who was always ready to lend a hand, no matter what the circumstances. His generosity, sense of humor, devotion to his country, and love for his family will be deeply missed.

Bruce is survived by his three daughters, Madison Kohl (Jacob), Amanda Phillips, and Sylvia Forbeck (Luke); his grandchildren, Maren Forbeck, Ada Kohl, and Thomas Forbeck; Susan Phillips-Struewing, with whom he had recently rekindled his relationship; his half-brothers, Larry Forgy and Dennis Forgy (Brenda).

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Lee Forgy; and his dogs Maggie, Zoey, and Henry.

A celebration of Bruce's life will be held at Jackman-Hensley Funeral Home, 215 Broadway Street, Harrison, Ohio 45030, on Saturday October 3, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. until time of funeral services at 12:00 P.M. with Military honors provided by the United States Navy and Harrison Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family welcomes memorial contributions in Bruce's memory to one of the causes near to Bruce's heart, Til Valhalla Project, 22aDay or Adrenal Insufficiency United. Visit the sites below to learn more about each organization or to make a donation.

Military: 22aDay (https://www.22aday.org) or Til Valhalla Project (Support driven by T-Shirt Purchases at https://tilvalhallaproject.com and donations at https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/donate)

Adrenal Insufficiency: https://aiunited.org/community-support (click on Donate Today)