Michael A. Phillips

GUILFORD LAKE - Michael “Mike” Phillips, 67, of Guilford Lake, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Born on October 10, 1958, Mike graduated from United Local High School in 1977. Shortly after, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley, on April 14, 1979.

Following graduation, Mike entered the workforce, holding a variety of positions before retiring from Farmers Equipment.

Early in life, Mike was deeply involved in serving the Winona community. He was a youth leader at Winona Friends Church, a member of the Winona Volunteer Fire Department, and active in several men’s groups at church. One of his proudest experiences was attending a Promise Keepers rally in Indianapolis. He also built lasting friendships through softball, often sharing stories of weekend tournaments and games at Kelly Park with Shirley by his side.

Mike was widely known as “Coach Phillips.” Even before his own sons were old enough to play, he coached the Winona Pirates Little League Baseball team. As his sons grew, he coached their youth soccer, baseball, and basketball teams. He later stepped in as a junior high basketball coach following the mid-season passing of his youngest son Taylor’s coach. From there, Mike continued coaching junior high basketball and football at United Local. He was always willing to help wherever needed- from operating the clock from the score table or the press box, or keeping stats on Friday nights. Many United Eagles will remember his straw hat, cargo shorts, and knee-high socks.

Mike was a devoted sports fan, with a deep love for Ohio State, the Indians, Browns, and Cavaliers.

He was known as “Pa Pa” to his grandchildren, Jordan, Rileah, Carter, Kase, and Charlee. They shared many special moments together, including sleepovers and golf cart rides, often filled with playful teasing that ended with Granny telling Pa Pa to “stop it.”

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his youngest son, Taylor; his mother, Melva; and his mother and father-in-law, Barb and Don Sell.

He is survived by his sons, Jordan (Christina) and Bryan (Sarah), and the cherished memory of Taylor. He is also survived by his sister, Cathy and brother, Don; sisters-in-laws, Linda (Ron) Jackson and Laurie (Rick) Huston; brother-in-law, Jeff (Debbie) Sell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mike will be remembered most for his dedication to mentoring and guiding local youth through sport. His sons will forever remember the lessons he taught them—how to swing a bat, field a grounder, shoot a basketball, and catch a fade route. His grandchildren will remember him for always having a snack to share when they came to visit.

Friends and family will be received from Noon-2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Winona Friends Church, 4687 Whinnery Rd, Salem, where a memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Andrew Blackburn officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Local Athletic Department or the Winona Volunteer Fire Department.

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