Irene Phillips

Funeral services for Irene Solomon Phillips, 86, of Temple will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton with Pastor Rick Reed officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at Dossman Funeral Home. Irene Phillips passed away Friday, February 15, 2019, while surrounded by her family. She was born on September 16, 1932 in Heidenheimer, Texas to George Herbert Solomon and Dorothy Gidley Solomon. Irene married Donald Phillips on October 18, 1958 in Temple.

Irene worked hand in hand with her husband, Don, at the Dairy Queen located in downtown Temple for 45 years before retiring in 1997. They received many awards and recognitions from their time with Dairy Queen. Don and Irene helped change the lives of many kids who worked for them over the years. In 2011, Don and Irene helped their son open and operate Phillabees Family Eatery, located in Little River/Academy. Irene enjoyed the company, conversations, and friendships that came along with working at Phillabees. She was a long time member of the Temple Women’s Bowling Association. She enjoyed get-togethers with her bowling family and shaking dominos in a game of 42. Don and Irene frequently visited their riverfront property with grandkids in tow. They both loved fishing and spending time together. Irene’s priority in life was always her family. She loved making memories and having them over for dinner. When Don and Irene weren’t cooking, fishing, or bowling, they were on the road to any one of their grandkids’ many events. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren  were, and still are, the light of her life.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers, Herbert and Glenn Solomon. Survivors include her son, David Eugene Phillips, daughter, Paula Jean Byrd and husband Roy; four grandchildren, Matthew Byrd and wife JaCee, Melinda Byrd, Kylar Phillips and Kinley Phillips; three great-grandchildren, Jaxson Byrd, Whitley Byrd, and Lainey Byrd.