Robert Samuel Phillips

Robert S. ""Bob"" Phillips, age 78, of Joplin, and a former resident of Poplar Bluff died Saturday, April 3, 2010 at his residence.
Bob was born August 28, 1931 in Poplar Bluff. He began his career in radio at the age of 15 working at KWOC radio in Poplar Bluff. Following high school Bob studied broadcasting in Hollywood, Calif., and studied English and Speech at the University of Missouri and Southeast Missouri State. After completing his studies, he continued in radio as an announcer and news editor for radio stations in Missouri, Iowa and Kansas.
In 1960 he moved to Jefferson City and began working on air as a news reporter and news anchor for KRCG-TV. While there he met and interviewed many public figures from politicians and movie stars to authors and astronauts.
In 1966 Bob moved to Joplin and joined the staff of KODE-TV as the evening news anchor. He spent the next 33 years broadcasting the day's news and events surrounding Joplin. He will best be remembered for the nearly 500 ""Phillips Files"" broadcast through the years. Bob sought out many of the area's interesting and unusual people, places and things on which to report.
Bob wrote and produced many documentaries of this region's history that were highly anticipated by viewers. His documentary produced in the early 1970's entitled ""The Mines and Miners"" was widely acclaimed and was made part of the Tri-State Mining exhibit located in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. When asked about his most memorable person to interview he quickly listed the interviews conducted at the Kansas City studio of Thomas Hart Benton during his painting of ""Joplin, At The Turn Of The Century"" dedicated during Joplin's Centennial Celebration. In 2006 Bob was honored by being inducted into the Missouri Southern State University Regional Media Hall of Fame recognizing his work in the development of television news in the Four-State region.
Bob was an enthusiastic traveler having visited 48 of the 50 states and 10 foreign countries. He collected vintage German beer steins, and he was an avid gun collector with a life membership in the National Rifle Association.
His stepmother, Lorraine Phillips of Jefferson City, Missouri, his beloved dog, and many friends, survives him.
His father and mother, John Phillip and Ida Hampton Phillips and brother, John Phillips, preceded him in death.
A graveside service and interment of Mr. Phillips' ashes will be at a later date.
Cotrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff is in charge of the arrangements.