Clinton G. Philips

Clinton G. Philips, age 93 of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Dougherty House with his daughters by his side.  His Memorial Service will be 2:00 PM Friday, February 27, 2026, with Visitation beginning at 1:00 PM at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls.  Interment at the Hills of Rest Mausoleum.  

Clinton Gerald Philips was born May 31, 1932, in Elkton, South Dakota, to Ralph and Ruby (Schlottman) Philips.  Clinton graduated from Washington High School in 1951. His strong work ethic began early; at just 18 years old, he started his career at John Morrell & Co. Through dedication and perseverance, he remained with the company for decades, retiring in 1997 after a long and faithful career.

One of the greatest blessings of Clinton’s life was his love story with his wife, Shirley. The two met when Clinton was 15, and Shirley was 12; he was the neighborhood paperboy. Their friendship grew into romance during high school, and on February 9, 1954, they were married in Washington, D.C.

In Clinton’s younger years , he loved spending time water skiing with Shirley and his girls. He enjoyed camping, fishing,  and hunting. Things that gave him pleasure were taking care of his home and his “immaculate” lawn. His “shiny” cars and his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. As a young man, he played softball with his coworkers from Morrell’s. Minnesota Twins was one of his favorite baseball team to follow. One of his great passions was watching NASCAR! His favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt, after his death it became Bill Elliot. 

Clinton and Shirley enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson, Missouri, and later spending winters in Florida until Shirley’s illness.

Clinton valued time with his family and especially enjoyed Sunday family dinners with everyone together.

Grateful for having shared his life are his daughters, Daleen (Mark) Foster and Michell Philips of Sioux Falls, SD; two grandchildren, Garet Foster of Denver, CO, and Talor Foster of Charleston, SC; his brother, Glenn (Audrae) Philips of Sioux Falls, SD; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Clinton was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ruby (Schlottman) Philips; his wife, Shirley Philips; his brothers, Alfred (Lathera) Philips and Robert (Ruth) Philips; and his son-in-law, Vid Bhakar.