Benny Arlen Phillips

Benny Arlen Phillips, 74, passed from this life on March 3, 2010 in Fort Worth. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Dennis, 7600 FM 1189, on Saturday, March 6, at 10:00 am. Visitation is scheduled at White's Funeral Home, 130 Houston Ave. Weatherford, on Friday, March 5, from 6:00-8:00 pm.Benny was born June 26, 1935 in Parker County to J.S. and Marie Gill Phillips. He graduated from Brock High School in 1953 and attended Weatherford College where he played basketball for the WC Coyotes. He was a graduate of Hardin Simmons University. On March 27, 1959, he married Ardath Rose Wilson from Lipan. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2009. Benny was a teacher and coach at Brock ISD from 1957 till 1965. The family then moved to Springtown, where he coached and taught for 22 years, retiring in 1987. After retirement, he taught Driver's Education for Weatherford ISD. Benny loved to buy and sell animals. He was known as the "Donkey Man" and loved to set up with his animals at "First Monday" where he enjoyed seeing his past students and friends who came by to see him.Benny was preceded in death by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law, Sue and A.W. Plowman. He is survived by his wife Ardath and his three daughters Pamela Albert and husband Mike, Patti Hale and husband Ken, and Paula Abernathie and fiancé Adam Mitchell; five granddaughters Elizabeth Albert, Taylor Abernathie, Faith Hale, Emily Albert, & Hope Hale; brothers, Jack and his wife Peggy, Eddie and his wife Linda, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many friends. Benny was a member of First Baptist Church of Dennis, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Dennis or Brock Baptist Church Building Funds.