Leland Oral ("Brother") Phillips, 81, of New Madrid, passed away surrounded by his family on
Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Missouri Delta Hospital in Sikeston.
Leland was born on March 4, 1943, to Wilson and Venita Phillips. He graduated from New
Madrid High School, where he was the prom king, and married his high school sweetheart,
Sherry Ann Shelby, on March 27, 1965. He served his country in the U.S. Army Intelligence
Division in West Germany during the 1960s. After his service, he attended Southeast Missouri
State University. He then began his career, working first as an insurance salesperson for Farm
Bureau, and later as an advocate for children at the Division of Family Services in Sikeston, and
finally at Lakeland Regional Hospital. He was also a small business owner, operating The Sports
Shop in New Madrid. Leland was a devout Catholic, and was a lifelong member of Immaculate
Conception parish in New Madrid.
Leland was an avid sports fan, especially basketball. Basketball was not just a sport for Leland, it
was his second heartbeat. From player to coach to grandparent-fan, Leland's life played out on
the hardwood. He was captain of the New Madrid Owls/Indians varsity high school basketball
team, and later even made the JV Southeast Missouri State University team. He served as the
President of the New Madrid County Central Booster Club. His favorite activity was attending
his grandchildren's sporting events. Leland rarely missed a game, no matter the sport (even
soccer), and he was always available for encouragement and advice. He could spot a travel from
a mile away. He was also a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
But most of all, Leland loved his family. He is survived by his wife Sherry of New Madrid; four
children, Leland "Leebo" Phillips Jr., of Boonville, Missouri; Craig Phillips of New Madrid;
Kari (Duane) Beussink of Cape Girardeau; Whitney (Sabe) Caton of Boonville; a daughter-inlaw, Amy (Mark) Preyer of Kennett; and three siblings: Ginger Delisle of Portageville; Ruth
(Ron) Denault of Princeton, Illinois; and Cary (Becky) Phillips of Kansas City.
He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Jake (Lydia) Phillips of Dexter; Drew Beussink of
New Haven, Connecticut; Emma Phillips of Little Rock, Arkansas; Bailey Beussink of
Columbia, Missouri; Audrey Phillips of Kennett; Colby, Mabry, and Crosby Caton of Boonville;
and Paige and Addison Beussink of Cape Girardeau. He had one great-grandchild, Reign Phillips
of Dexter.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Frank Phillips; brothers in law Buddy Delisle
and Mitchell Shelby; and his lifelong best friend—Larry St. Mary of Ohio—who passed two
days prior. Heaven's backcourt got an upgrade this week.
Friends may call from 9:00am - 10:30am on Thursday, August 8, at Immaculate Conception
Church in New Madrid. A Funeral Mass will be held immediately afterwards with Father David
Hulshof presiding. Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri.
Pallbearers will be Drew Beussink, Colby Caton, Jake Phillips, Justin Shelby, Jon Garret
Kellams, and Joe DeLisle. Honorary pallbearers are Dub Prince, R.D. James, Riley James,

Richard Phillips, Bobby Hedgepeth, Larry Eby, Steve Kellams, Bud DeLisle.

As we bid farewell to Leland, we can almost hear the final whistle blow on a game well played.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and memories that his family will cherish forever