Christopher LaVon Phillips, Sr.

Christopher LaVon Phillips passed away in Marion, Alabama on October 28, 2023. He was born on December 17, 1984 to Mary Jackson Martin and Lavon (also known as Vonnie) Phillips in Marion, Alabama. Chris lived in Marion where Mary and Carl Martin raised him. He often visited his dad in Minnesota. When he was a young child, his mother was thankful for the help of people such as Annie Parker and Andrew Jones and their families in caring for Chris. Early in his life, Chris’s natural ability for fixing things, driving, and working on cars was evident. He fixed his great-grandmother’s lawnmower. He started driving at age 6 on the farm with his grandfather Luke. He learned to be a car mechanic by watching Mr. Eugene McClenny and his son Charles. His uncle Bo Diddly taught him to weld, and he attended Ivy Technical College, becoming a certified welder. Chirs was a mechanical genius and also a gifted businessman. He moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he started several businesses including a car repair shop, a towing company, and a trucking business. His transportation business allowed him to travel and work with people in all regions of the United States. Chris was also an alternative financial resource for individuals who could not otherwise get credit. In Fort Wayne, he bought his first home with Caila and started his family. A favorite memory for the kids is when Chris and Caila took them to the beach. In Indiana, Chis enjoyed boating and jet skiing which he learned spending summers in Minnesota with his dad and Uncle Milford. He often returned to Alabama where he visited family and enjoyed hunting and outdoor recreation. Throughout his life, everyone loved Chris and wanted to see him. His presence filled the room. Chris was always busy working, going places, and talking to people. He was always willing to help people. He loved life and enjoyed being with his children, family and friends. He leaves to cherish his memory: His mother Mary Jackson Martin (Carl) of Marion, Alabama; His father LaVon (also called Vonnie) Phillips (Patty) of Minneapolis, MN; The Love of his life Caila Martin of Fort Wayne, IN; His children Christina Ford, Jocelynn Benson, Malachi Phillips, Cailee Phillips, Jaelin Eldridge, Christopher Phillips, Jr., Christian Phillips, and Clay Phillips; His Stepchildren Makaya Washington, Makhi Washington and Malonna Washington; His grandmother Normarene (or Jean) Phillips of Cleveland, OH; His siblings Courtney Phillips-Manning (Matthew) of Los Angeles, CA, Clay Phillips of Washington, DC, Jeremiah and Malachi Martin of Marion, AL. Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents Luke and Leona Jackson of Newbern, AL, and Annie B. Pink of Marion, AL; His grandfather P. L. Phillips of Cleveland, OH.

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