Nicholas Phillips

Nicholas “Nic” Keeton Phillips was born on July 26, 1999 in Colby, Kansas to Don Phillips and Michelle Phillips.  Nic passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.  He was preceded in death by his mother’s fiancé Lorenzo Weldon, as well as his grandparents Melvin Phillips and Joanne Phillips.   He is survived by his mother, Michelle Phillips; his father, Don (Jennifer) Phillips, all of Colby; his brother Shawn Phillips of Goodland; his sister Tara (Scott) Phillips-Powell, of Brussels, Belgium; and his grandparents Charles and Pat Wagoner and Uncle Mike Wagoner, all of Colby. Uncles Greg (Jeannie) Phillips, of Lewis; and Mike (Jane) Phillips, of Palco.   Nic was the proud and loving uncle to his nieces Maleia and Hannah-Leigh Powell, Brussels, Belgium. Nic is also survived by great aunts and uncles, cousins, and many friends. A fighter, Nic was relentlessly bullied at school for being awkward, overweight, and different. He fought back with a sharp tongue and quick wit. Unfortunately those weapons led to his tragic death.  Nic’s willingness to speak out allowed him to be used as an instrument by a system that did not support the victim. The lack of follow through and support from the school administration, as well as the county legal system, created a chain of events that destroyed his life and contributed to his untimely and tragic death. Nic was an excellent student who excelled in history. He loved to learn, reading 2 to 3 books a week. Nic was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 140, where he received numerous achievements. He was also very close to earning his Eagle Scout award. In addition, he was involved in FFA and livestock judging. Nic enjoyed debate, and loved to talk with anyone who was up for a good argument. He was fascinated with Military History and serving his country; he often spoke of joining the Army after High School through enlistment or the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Despite being a workhorse who put in long hours at his job at Sonic, Nic made time for the things that were important to him. Nic was an avid hunter, and he killed his first deer at the age of 15 with one shot of a compound bow on his first morning out hunting.  Nic loved to fish and spent long summer days at the pond with his brother, his friends, and sometimes even his parents. Nic’s creativity was evident in the wood carvings and furniture he crafted. An aspiring artist, he had ambition to do even more with these pursuits. Moreover, he loved building Legos and had an extensive Star Wars collection. Like most people his age, Nic loved to hang out with his friends and play video games. He mastered the games very quickly much to the detriment of his friends’ and siblings’ attempts to win. Most of all, we will remember Nic for his kind and loving heart. Nic was extremely proud of his two nieces, Maleia and Hannah, and would do anything for them, rare behavior for a teenager. In addition, he loved animals and was especially devoted to his puppy Athena. A celebration of Nic’s life will be held on Monday, November 9 at 2 p.m. at the Colby United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Catholic Cemetery in Colby. The family will receive visitors at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel from 2-7 p.m. with a flower service at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nicholas Keeton Phillips Memorial Fund in care of Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel, 745 S. Country Club Drive, Colby 67701. Nic’s death is an unbelievable tragedy and we will forever hold him in our hearts.