Obituary of Phillip Lackey
Phillip M. Lackey
Phillip M. Lackey, age 91, late of Plainfield, and formerly of Stillman Valley, IL passed away peacefully, Saturday, May 28, 2022 at home, with his family by his side.
Born September 29, 1930 in Kankakee, IL he was the son of the late Ernest and Eva Mae (nee Tansley) Lackey.
Phil graduated from Illinois State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. His teaching experience is very extensive having taught at various schools throughout Illinois. He taught the beginning bands for the Plainfield School District at Crystal Lawns and Grand Prairie from 1973 until his retirement in 1994. He had additional experience having served the 75th Army Band at Fort Belvoir, VA as a music librarian and as Assistant Band Director, 29th Army Band in Okinawa. His professional experience includes playing with the National Chamber of Commerce Orchestra and woodwind ensembles, Washington, D.C., Bloomington- Normal Symphony, Rockford Symphony, and the Bloomington Municipal Band. He served as the Music Director at Boylan Catholic High School, Rockford, IL and as the musical director of various musical productions as well as providing private instrumental teaching for 48 years. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Plainfield and served as Church Historian and Sunday School Teacher. He was also a member of the Plainfield American Legion Marne Post 13 in Plainfield.
Music was his hobby, work/life passion. He enjoyed his garden and fishing. Phil was very supportive of his wife Pat and loved to travel with her, as she received her Suzuki Violin training. He will also be remembered by many of her students as the “resident photographer” when they would receive their awards. He was also devoted to his family and enjoyed being a Grandpa to Richie.
He is survived by his four children, William ‘Billy’ (Mary) Lackey of Shorewood, IL, Michael (Ray) Lackey of Exira, IA, Deborah (Richard, Jr.) Zola of Shorewood, IL, John (Chau Tran) Lackey, of St. Pete, FL; his grandson, Richard ‘Richie’ (Keziah Cobden) Zola of Shorewood, IL; sister in-law, Pamela Jones of Clearwater, FL; several nieces, nephews and dear friends also survive.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Patricia A. Lackey (April 15, 2021); his parents; and brother, Robert Lackey.
Memorial donations may be made to Plymouth Congregational Church, 24022 Lockport St., Plainfield, IL 60544.
Phil’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Abby and Centered Care Hospice for the support and care they received. Also, they would like to thank Stephanie and Reda and Right At Home Caregivers for their assistance and continued support. Phil and Pat were blessed and appreciated the time and care their daughter in-law, Mary provided. Mary spent the last 6 years living with them and ensuring their well being.
Visitation for Phillip M. Lackey will be held Friday, June 3, 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park with Military Honors being provided by the US Army.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or you may visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
