Phillip Lavon Liston

Phillip LaVon Liston, 91, of Robinson, IL, passed away on February 17, 2023, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing. He was born on March 4, 1931, in Honey Creek Township, Crawford County, IL, the son of Oscar D. & Ina Victoria (South) Liston, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Shirley Ann Miller on December 3, 1983, and she preceded him in death on September 3, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his daughters, Jackaline Liston (in infancy) and Vicki Simpson; and by eleven brothers and sisters.

He married Jean Crozier on September 15, 2013, and she survives. He is also survived by his children & their spouses, Phyllis Fancil (Oblong, IL), Melody Carter (Robinson, IL), David Liston (Palestine, IL), Star & Mike Hoskins (Palestine, IL), and Todd & Julie Liston (Robinson, IL); by his step-son, Don & wife Angela Crozier (Marshall, IL); by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; by his sister, Elizabeth Dressback (Palestine, IL); as well as many nieces and nephews.

Phillip grew up in the Lost Slab area of Crawford County, sharing a small home alongside his parents and twelve siblings. He would go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army, assigned to the 69th Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War. He was captured and held as a POW during his time overseas and spent upwards of a year rehabilitating in a VA hospital. His time in the Army led him to join the Robinson American Legion Post #69 and the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549. Following his honorable discharge, Phillip went to work at the Allison Mill before finding employment at Ellis Milling, where he worked for 28 years before retiring in 1990. An avid sports fan, he watched a lot of football in his spare time and also kept up with professional wrestling. His love of sport carried over to his children, and he was a staple at all of their various games. In fact, he officiated many of his girls' softball games and was well-regarded for his fairness and impartiality.

Anyone who knew the man could attest to his love of children. And children were drawn to him, as Phillip was known to dish out quarters or candy freely. He was also generous to animals and loved nothing more than to feed the squirrels and birds that made their way to his home. He liked to eat, himself! He enjoyed many a catfish dinner alongside his wife Jean, and together, they took part in a number of senior trips to destinations such as St. Louis and the Covered Bridge Festival. No matter where they went, it could be assured that Phillip would find someone to talk to. In short, the man didn't know a stranger! We are thankful for the memories we have of Phillip Liston and for the selflessness of spirit that enabled him to take up his country's call in the name of liberty and justice for all.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 24th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, with Pastor Shane Bopp officiating. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Army, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorial contributions may be made to the "VFW Transportation Fund", with envelopes available at the funeral home.