Donald S. Phillips 1967-2020

Don was born Sept. 26, 1967, in Salem, the son of Joseph J. and Evelyn Priscilla Cox Phillips.

He was a 1987 graduate of Struthers High School and attended Youngstown State University.

Don’s Catholic faith was very important to him and he spent years as a child as an altar server.

Don began his career in automotives in 1987. He was a self-employed certified master mechanic who owned and operated Don’s Automotive for 35 years. He was also a proud member of the Mineral Ridge Fire and Rescue Squad.

Don gave generously to many community leagues and organizations throughout his life. He recently received his 25-year silver plaque as a purchaser for 4-H.

Don was proud to be a regular specialist on the Ron Verb Show.

Don excelled in many sports throughout his lifetime; he enjoyed playing darts, bocce and received five 300 rings in bowling. Regardless of what Don did, he always gave 110 percent and encouraged his sons to be champions.

Don’s greatest passion was spending time with his children, and most recently, coaching his youngest son Jameson’s baseball teams. He coached baseball and soccer for all three of his sons throughout the years. Don loved being outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, horseback riding and camping. He was also an avid boxing fan and race car driver.

He was a kind and generous man who helped many stranded motorists in the middle of the night. One of his gifts was encouraging the youth to believe and achieve in themselves.

Don was also an instrumental part of his wife’s businesses, Billy’s Bar and Julie’s Periscoop.

Don always had a very generous heart and his last gift was the gift of life through donation, which will help the lives of many.

Don is survived by his wife, Julie Brauer; three sons, Donald James Phillips of Austintown, Jake Mathew (Kayla) Phillips of Austintown and Jameson Phillip Brauer of Austintown; three sisters, Marilyn Phillips Sinkovich of Florida, Susan Phillips Agnone (Dennis Tims) of Struthers and Mary Joe (Nate) Nevel of Lowellville; two brothers, Rick Phillips of Youngstown and Jonathan (Danielle) Phillips of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Janice P. Burnham; and two brothers, Ron and Steven Phillips.

Prayers will begin 10:15 a.m. Tuesday at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Joseph Church.

Family and friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to the family.

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