Pearless "Perky" Phillips

Perky Phillips, 82, of Colerain Township, Cincinnati, Ohio died Saturday March 19, 2022 at Christ Hospital of Bacterial Menengitis.

He was born March 20, 1939 in Mingo County, KY to the late Ira and Fannie (Smith), but lived in Matewan, WV for 22 years.  He is joyfully reunited with his wife of 57 years, Bonnie, who passed in December 2021.  He is survived by his “Million Dollar Family”; daughter Tammy (Paul) Ventura, and son Carson (Anita) Phillips; eight grandchildren that he deeply loved and helped with many school projects; Jacob (Allysia), Anthony, Erika and Sophia Ventura, Lindsey, Carson II, Kylee and Summer Phillips, all of Cincinnati; and heavenly siblings Laverna, Hattie, George, Arnold and Mary.

Perky was an Operating Engineer for local 18 for 40 years. He worked for Tony Desalvo, Harper and Pinker before retiring with Schweitzer Construction.  He was known as the “hardest working man”, who spent many evenings and weekends doing side jobs for his employers but also voluntarily helping family and friends with their homes and yards.

He had a love and passion for his out of town family, friends, neighbors, dogs, fish, comedy and rocks.  He enjoyed writing poems, journaling and especially being the Emcee of his Matewan Class Reunions.  He always had a good joke for any topic.  He and Bonnie especially enjoyed watching their grandchildren in sports, dance, school functions or at their home.

Perky’s greatest reward came from living a life of love and faith with his wife and family in their home of 53 years.  They created beautiful gardens and Koi ponds where anyone was welcomed and blessed with unconditional love, meals and laughter.

Perky and Bonnis will be buried in St. James Cemetery in White Oak.  They chose a double urn where they can be together on earth and in heaven.  There will be a celebration of life for both of them this summer.