Aaron Scott Phillips

Aaron Scott Phillips peacefully entered his forever home on Monday, March 17, 2025 at St. Mary’s Medical Center ER after a courageous and faith-filled fight with Glioblastoma. He was surrounded by so many who loved him when he saw the face of his Savior. Aaron won his fight that day and received a reward beyond what we could ever imagine.

Aaron was born in Gallipolis, Ohio and spent his life making everyone laugh. He had a way of lighting up any room he entered. He developed a love for anything that went fast, sports, and 4-H at a young age, and spent his childhood years racing 4-wheelers, showing cattle, and playing football and basketball.

Aaron met his wife and gained a daughter in 2015. She was everything he’d ever wanted, and it was no doubt love at first sight. A few short years later in 2019, Aaron and Morgan completed their family with the addition of his youngest daughter, Addison. Once their family was complete, they returned to Ohio where they began to build up a farm. He purchased land in Chesapeake, Ohio and began to live out his dream.

Aaron brought his love for animals and passion for showing into his adulthood by helping so many children around him learn the art of the show. He loved nothing more than to spend his days and evenings working with other kids and helping them achieve their 4-H goals. His love for show cattle only increased when he had children of his own. His girls and he would spend hours looking at cattle, only to turn this into spending hours in the barn working cattle of their own. Before Aaron’s diagnosis, one of his proudest moments was realized when his oldest daughter took her first animal to the fair only to bring home Grand Champion. The smile that came across his face when their eyes met made every lecture he’d given come to life. He didn’t know that it would be the only fair they would do this for, but Izzy will carry on his love of animals with him watching over her.

Some of Aaron’s other happiest times as a parent were also spent being the ultimate cheer dad. He said many times he’d never imagined becoming a girl dad, but he was going to embrace every part of it. Both of his daughters were the embodiment of everything he ever dreamed.  The perfect mixture of rowdy and girly. He dressed in matching outfits, cheered louder than anyone, and encouraged every one of their teammates any chance he got. You could always find Aaron in the stands, the parent sections, or the sidelines screaming for his girls.

Aaron’s diagnosis came as a shock to everyone around him. Through this diagnosis, many people were brought to the Lord and many relationships were mended. His family came together to support and love him and his girls. His community rallied around him and his family, and for the support we are forever grateful. There are a few people Aaron would want to recognize. Dr. Matthew Werthammer became not only his neurosurgeon, but also a friend. He took wonderful care of Aaron and acted quickly and efficiently. Dr.  Avinder Bir, for the continuous love and encouragement we received throughout his diagnosis. As an Oncologist, you see many patients a day; but he always made Aaron feel seen and special. Neurosurgery NPs, Crystal Long and Jennifer Howard, thank you for all of the love and support you gave Aaron throughout his fight; it did not go unnoticed. His medical team at Duke University and Northwestern gave invaluable knowledge. His ER family. Aaron gained a second family in the Emergency Room when his wife began her career there. They have loved, supported, and cared for him from beginning to end. The entire staff of this department saw him through to his last moments, and he would not have wanted to be anywhere else. Lastly, his community. There have been so many prayers sent not only for Aaron, but also for his family. The support has been nothing short of incredible, and we are thankful for all of you. His churches, and their continued love and support, Teays Valley Church of God and Tri-State Worship Center. Pastors Melissa Pratt and Terry Wagoner gave unwavering support, love, encouragement, and prayers throughout this entire journey.

Aaron leaves behind a loving wife, Morgan, and two daughters, Isabella and Addison. Parents Denise Phillips, Scott (Amanda) Phillips. A devoted brother Austin (Tianna) who never left his side. A loving bonus sister, Miranda (Bret) Lambert. Grandpa Gearld Cox. A special aunt, who loved him more like a son, Kim (Rick) Cade. A special cousin, who was more like a brother, Gearld (Amber) Cade. A sister and brother gained by marriage, Allie (Eric) Mendenhall. Nieces and nephews he loved like his own; Layne and Bryla, Sam, Will, and Caroline, and many other extended aunts, uncles, cousins.

Aaron was most certainly met with celebration at the gates of heaven by those special souls who went before him. Ted (Shirley) Phillips, Wanda Cox, Steven Phillips, and Patricia Parsons.

Calling hours will be Saturday, March, 22, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Gallipolis, Ohio. Services will be held at South Gallia High School Sunday, March 23, 2025 with calling hours 12:00-2:00 p.m. for additional friends and family and funeral at 2:00 p.m. Following services and burial at Ridgelawn Cemetery, there will be a Celebration of Life dinner at South Gallia High School.

Those to carry Aaron to his final resting place are those who held a special place in his heart. Austin Phillips, Gearld Cade, Dave Spurlock, Matt Atha, Bret Lambert, Eric Mendenhall, Eddie Cunningham, Chase McFann, Paul Williams, Tyler Morris, Bobby Angel, and Dakota Wroten. Honorary pallbearers Layne Phillips, Sam Mendenhall, William Mendenhall, Gene Fitzgerald, Thomas Smith and Jason Shatto.