Raymond Phillips
ESCANABA — Raymond George Phillips, Jr., age 78, of Escanaba, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, at UP Health System-Marquette.
Raymond was born on October 30, 1947, in Escanaba, to Raymond, Sr. and Lucy (Hurkmans) Phillips. He graduated from Escanaba High School and later proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Canberra. During his military service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.
On June 14, 1969, Raymond married the love of his life, Bonnie Lederhaus, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Raymond worked in the paper industry as a heavy equipment operator for Mead Paper. Outside of work, he was known as a hands-on, hardworking man who enjoyed keeping busy. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and using his metal detector. He was active in the Black Powder community and enjoyed attending Civil War reenactment gatherings and rendezvous events. Raymond was also talented in leather crafting and knife making.
He was a longtime member of the P&H Rod and Gun Club, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 345, where he served as past president, and the Mead Paper 25 Year Club.
Raymond is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie Phillips of Escanaba; daughter Susan Letson of Green Bay, WI; son Raymond (Karen) Phillips, III; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; brother Rod (Linda) Phillips of Gladstone; sister Dawn Lavigne of Pulaski, WI; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Richard and Bill Phillips.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Delta County Veterans Council Military services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Escanaba being assisted be the U.S. Navy. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services in the Ludington Room located at the Anderson Funeral Home. Raymond will be laid to rest in Gardens of Rest Memorial Park, Wells, MI. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Phillips family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
