Phillip Dale Ehlers

Phillip Dale Ehlers, 59, passed away suddenly in his home Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, from complications of diabetes.

Phillip was born April 19, 1962, in El Dorado Springs to Olaf and Lola Ehlers. He was one of seven children. Phillip grew up on the family diary farm in Filley. In 1980, he began his career with DariConcepts and devoted 37 years to the company until retiring in 2017. Phillip considered many of his coworkers as friends. Ask anyone who knew him-he had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

Phillip adored his nieces and nephews and often spent time attending their events. In the fall, he gathered truck loads of walnuts and split the money with all of them. He had a big heart and generous spirit and found ways to show he cared. He often showed kindness behind the scenes by helping those facing financial difficulties. Despite struggles with his health, Phillip pitched in whenever and wherever he could on the dairy after retirement. He looked forward to showing off the newborn calves to the family, which brought a smile to his face. He really enjoyed gardening and found joy in sharing the harvest with family and friends. When roses were in bloom, he picked the prettiest ones to give to “Ma.” Phillip will be remembered as a devoted son, loving brother and uncle and faithful friend.

He was preceded in death by his father, Olaf Ehlers, and brother-in-law, Jim Thompson.

Survivors include his mother, Lola Ehlers; sister, Gloria Keith, and husband, Robert – Seneca; sister, Rita Thompson – El Dorado Springs; sister, Connie Bartlett, and husband, Jerry – Olathe, KS; brother, Stanley Ehlers, and wife, Jenean – Stockton; sister, Kathy Bradley, and husband, lance – El Dorado Springs; and brother, David Ehlers, and wife, Danita – El Dorado Springs; six nieces and three nephews; six great-nieces and seven great-nephews; as well as many cousins and friends.

Services for Phillip Ehlers were held Tuesday, Jan. 25, in Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home with Brent Bland and John Koch officiating. Interment followed in Wright Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Matt Nikodim, Jim Haden, Eric McGuirk, Ronnie Whitesell, Mile Williams and Pete Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Stanley Ehlers and David Ehlers.

Memorial donations may be given to Filley Christian Church and left at the funeral home.