Matthew left this life on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the age of 67, after a lengthy illness following throat cancer and subsequent radiation damage. He was born October 5, 1957, the youngest of three boys, to Lawrence C. Phillips and Virginia Calmes Phillips, in Dennis Mills, and passed away at home in Denham Springs.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gregory L. Phillips. He is remembered with love by his devoted wife of nearly 30 years, Christine Jackson Phillips, two children, J.M. and Ethan C. Phillips, and brother, Chaney L. Phillips (Marty). Matthew was a beloved uncle to 4 nephews, Gregory, Ryan, Dallas, and Jason Phillips; 1 niece, Brandy Roberts, all on the Phillips side; and 2 nieces, 3 nephews by marriage, along with countless cousins, family, and friends that meant the world to him.
Matthew grew up in a loving family in Dennis Mills and attended Silliman Institute and Southeastern Louisiana University. He worked in casinos from Las Vegas, and Biloxi to Baton Rouge as a well-respected poker dealer, and manager for many years. Matthew was a huge sports trivia buff, especially relating to all LSU sports. He was voted Most Courteous and never forgot a birthday, even those of long ago school friends. Like his mother, Matthew was frequently able to find the silver lining in less than pleasant circumstances and used humor to lighten the mood. He was a fun-loving, gentle, and beloved husband, brother, uncle, and an excellent friend to all fortunate to know him.
Special thanks to his son, Ethan, who faithfully served as his primary caregiver for nearly 4 years.
Visitation and religious services will be held at Pine Ridge Methodist Church, in Kentwood, LA on Tuesday, March 4, from 10 a.m. until religious service at 12 p.m. with Rev. Michael Townsend officiating. Private interment at Pine Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Benefit for Matt Phillips, ATTN: Feliciana Bank & Trust Company, P.O. Box 247, Clinton LA 70722
6 comments
Vickie Farr
March 1, 2025 at 1:38 pm
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your brother, Chaney as well as all of the others. Wayne Cheeks and I send our heartfelt condolences. We went to school together part of the time.
Glenda Stewart-Hazlip
February 28, 2025 at 4:32 am
Chaney, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Glenda Stewart-Hazlip
Peggy Armstrong Vaughan
February 27, 2025 at 8:52 pm
My heart sunk when I heard of Matt’s passing. I’m so sorry for your loss. Matt was such a special person. I was so blessed to be able to call him my friend.
I saw him in October at the football reunion. We texted a few times after that. He will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him. This is not goodbye my friend, it’s until we meet again. Rest in peace.
Peggy A Vaughan
Peggy Armstrong Vaughan
February 27, 2025 at 3:28 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Matt was such a special person. I am so honored to be able to have called him my friend. I saw him in October at the football reunion and since then we had texted some. He will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him. This is not goodbye my friend, it’s until we meet again. Rest in peace!
Heather Hershey Lyn
February 27, 2025 at 6:09 am
I’m so sorry for your loss, hope you can heal now and I will call you w in a a few days
Kathy Feltman
February 27, 2025 at 5:52 am
I am so incredibly sorry to hear of this. I loved Matt like a brother, and he was part of the family in Kentwood. My mother often said she wasn’t sure how many sons she had, partly because Matt and Mike were inseparable.
My absolute condolences to his family. He will certainly be missed.