Clyde H. Phillips

Clyde Hearl Phillips, 87, son of the late Arthur and Elena Phillips, and loving husband to Carmella Phillips, passed away peacefully in Palm Springs on April 16, 2015 with his family by his side.

He was born on July 30, 1927 in Lakeland, Florida. Clyde graduated from Moultrie High School in Georgia before being drafted into the army during World War II. He served in Germany with the Corps of Engineers and returned to civilian life in Chicago where he went to school for heating and refrigeration. It was there that he met the love of his life, Carmella. They were married on July 3, 1950. They lived in Indiana for a few years before moving to Baldwin Park, California in 1956. Clyde opened his own plumbing company and purchased rental property to provide for his and Carmella's growing family.

In 1976, Clyde moved his family and his plumbing business to Palm Springs. It was here in the desert that Clyde became known as "plumber to the stars" having done work for Frank Sinatra, Don Adams, and Mary Martin among others. Clyde was a plumbing contractor for 55 years before retiring in 2005. Clyde and Carmella were dedicated volunteers for the Palm Springs Film Festival and the Muse Café at the Palm Springs Art Museum.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Carmella, sons Vernon, Eugene, Danny, and Clyde Robert and by daughter Mary. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Services will be held at 10 am, April 27, 2015 at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, 2800 E. Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264.