Phillip Ray Sylvester

Age 75 of Elwood, Illinois, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the Illinois Veteran's Home in Manteno, Illinois.

Born August 2, 1949 in Arcola, Illinois, Phillip was a son of Russell and Wilma (Nixon) Sylvester. He was raised and educated in Elwood and attended Joliet East High School. He then enlisted in the United States Army, serving for 15 months in South Korea from 1971-1972. Phillip served in the 6th Battalion, 44th Artillery Hawk Missile as a Tactical Control Assistant.

Following his military service, he was employed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, in contract with Monsanto Company in St. Louis, Missouri, as a field engineer in the 1970's and 80's. Phillip worked at various plant sites across the United States constructing and establishing new Monsanto Chemical sites. From 1982 to 1989, he took the role of District Shop Supervisor for Westinghouse in Atlanta, Georgia and later Lansing, Illinois. Phillip then worked for Unocal UNOVEN Citgo refinery in Lemont from 1989 to 1999, and returned in 2005 until his retirement in 2012.

He was a lifetime member of the Stone City VFW Post #2199 in Joliet, Illinois, and was a strong supporter of firearm owners' rights. Phillip enjoyed spending time with nature, whether it was being outdoors fishing and photography or simply tending to his house plants. His pride and joy was his feline companion, Sarah Sylvester, who was his best friend.

Survivors include his niece, Christine (the late Jeff) Findley, and his great-nephew, Justin Findley.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sharon, one sister, Brenda, and one brother, Jimmy.

Private burial services with full military honors will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and to share Phillip’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815-476-2181).