Michael Gene Phillips, 72, of Greensburg, fought the good fight, but on Saturday, May 11, 2024, surrounded by his immediate family, he went to his eternal home with Jesus. As our hearts grieved his passing, God painted the skies of Pittsburgh with a double rainbow, a gracious sign to all that saw it that the stairway to heaven had opened for Mike. Mike was born Nov. 12, 1951, in Fairmont, WV, to Marvin Gene and Peggy Yost Phillips. He grew up in Waynesburg, PA along with his younger sister Mindy (Melinda), and while in high school he met the love of his life, Karen Shogren. Throughout his life, Mike was surrounded by loving family and a multitude of friends that he treated like family. He was intensely loyal to those he loved and loved him, forming bonds that remained with him throughout his life. After graduating from Waynesburg High School, Mike graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. Upon graduation, he followed his heart and entered social work with Children's Services in Greene County; but, after a few years, he sought employment with West Penn Power, first at Hatfield's Power Station, which eventually led Mike and his young family to Greensburg, where he worked in the corporate HR offices at Cabin Hill. Mike loved to serve others and helped at two local food banks. He also served on several boards of directors, FEChoice Credit Union, Jumonville Camp, West Point Little League, and several church boards. But his real joy was spending time with his two sons fishing, hunting, and supporting their many athletic endeavors. Mike particularly loved coaching Marc and Eric during their time in the West Point Little League, where he continued to coach even after his sons transitioned out of Little League. Mike cared for all of the kids he had coached and forged many lifelong friendships during this time. Later in life, Mike found great joy in becoming 'Pap' to Judah (16) and Malachi (14), and more recently to Monte (2). He loved playing with his grandsons and feeding them copious amounts of treats. But his favorite thing to do was share his passion for fishing with his grandchildren. No matter what Mike was involved in, whether it be work, hunting and fishing, coaching, volunteering, golf, bocci, bowling, etc., he would cultivate rich friendships that would last the rest of his life. Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen; two sons, Marc married to Liza Ballen (Chicago IL) and Eric married to Coleen McManamy of Stoneboro PA; three grandsons, Judah and Malachi of Stoneboro, PA, and Monte of Chicago, IL; sister, Mindy married to Jef Heidekat of Chicago, IL; and sisters-in-law, Kristen Shogren of Graysville and Pamela Morris Shogren of Waynesburg, PA; along with nieces, Alissa Slifko Burns of Wind Ridge and Julie Slifko Murphy of DeBary, FL, Marci Shogren Lewis of Waynesburg, and Dale Heidekat Fakhouri of Chicago, IL; and nephew, Jay Heidekat of Chicago, IL. One predeceased brother-in-law, Thomas J. Shogren. Mike loved and was loved by so many people. He created countless fond memories for all who knew him, memories that will live on through the stories his family loves to tell, stories that always end with laughter and smiles. A memorial service to celebrate Mike's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1 at Charter Oak Church, 449 Frye Farm Road, Greensburg, with the Reverend Eric Phillips officiating. Family and friends will be received beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements are being handled by the LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 601 Weldon Street, Latrobe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westmoreland County Foodbank. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.