Glen Phillips

MONROE — Glen Roy Phillips, 86, died Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at his home near the city of Monroe in Sevier County, Utah, due to cancer, and other age-related conditions.

The youngest of five children, Glen was born May 6, 1939, to Seth Wayne and Dora Lucille Deveraux Phillips, at their family home in American Fork. A Class of 1957 American Fork Caveman at heart, he was dedicated to playing football for his high school team.

A mechanic by trade, he worked in the road construction industry throughout his life, including Wheeler Machinery Co.; and L.A. Young Sons Construction, Inc., where, due to his loyalty, he was one of the “last men standing.” He ultimately retired from the Sevier County Road Department in 2001.

Glen was known for his love of restoring vehicles, including trucks, tractors, Jeeps, etc.; as well as his self-engineered and designed handmade outdoor animated Christmas decorations, which drew visitors to the fields north of Monroe during the holidays for many years.

The biggest hole left by his death, however, is in the hearts of his family members.

Glen married his first wife, Vonda Jensen, in 1957. Together they had two children, Tamera and Wayne. Later divorced, Vonda died in 2020. Glen married his second wife, Lila Sorensen Nielsen in 1967. Together they had a daughter, Wendy. Later divorced, Lila died in 2012.

Still likely uncertain whether or not the “third time’s a charm,” Glen met, and married perhaps his greatest challenge in life, his wife of nearly 50 years, Sandra Dee “Sandy” Sandin (Prather).

Glen took this redheaded, freckle-faced, Scots-Irish Indian ... 20 years his junior, with the temperament to match the title ... to be his lawfully wedded wife in a ceremony, which took place in Cortez, Colorado, “the day after Thanksgiving,” 1978.

Following this union, they made their home in Monroe, where together they raised their two sons, Glen Roy Phillips Jr., and Zane Wade Phillips.

The true loves of Glen’s life, however, were his grandchildren, Tangila Faith Phillips, whom Glen and Sandy raised; as well as grandsons Braxton Trace, Payton Roy, and Brayden Andy Phillips.

Also, Rayna and Andy; Jesse and Kay; Cynda; and great-grandchildren Liam and Kennedy.

Glen is survived by his wife Sandy; sons Glen and Zane; grandchildren, Tangila, Braxton, Payton, and Brayden; sisters-in-law Marian Chacon and Carolyn Phillips; and brother-in-law Keith Sandin. Also, daughter Wendy, and her family; stepdaughter-in-law Jean Nielsen, and her family; and to the best of our knowledge, daughter Tamera and her family; as well as grandson Jesse, and his family. He also leaves behind numerous family members, friends, and loved ones, all of whom meant the world to him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law Shirley Anne Prather; son Wayne “aka Carla,” who reportedly died in May 2018; granddaughter Kay Phillips; stepson Teryle Nielsen; step-granddaughters Kelli and Lori; siblings Thomas “Jack” (Joyce), Bertha “Louise” (Reed and Leonard), William “Jay,” Seth “Lee” (Athene); brothers-in-law David Wade Sandin, Walter Dedrick Prather III, Johnny Chacon; and in-laws “Grandma and Papa” Utahna and Vane Sandin.

Intrinsic to his down-to-earth “cowboy” lifestyle and spirit, Glen chose to be cremated, with no formal services. Because his family is still trying to perfect their lemonade recipe at the moment, there are no further immediate plans scheduled. So, for now, “Honey, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, and Friend,” please walk “Just Beyond the Moon” ... where we shall join you one day soon.

Appreciation is expressed to longtime family friend Leanne Leddy; as well as Zion’s Way Home Health & Hospice staff members ... especially Jadie Houchin, Kassidy Parsons, Shalee George, and Samantha Price ... particularly aiding in the prevention of Glen and Sandy killing each other in their final days/years together.

Cremation services are under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.