Kerry R. Phares

Kerry Phares, 69 years old, was called home by his Heavenly Father on January 19, 2022. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 11, 1952. He grew up in Des Moines, IA, and was graduated from high school in Portage Michigan, then to college in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He loved hunting when he was young, but his true passion was golf in which he excelled, winning countless tournaments. He had beautiful penmanship and enjoyed calligraphy as an art and hobby, performing writing innumerable pieces. He enjoyed people and was a jokester; never knowing when you called him how he would answer the phone.

He walked a gentle life serving HIs Lord in the church as deacon, being one of the leaders in the first home groups of the church, teaching Sunday school to the shut-ins of the church before Sunday School every Sunday morning, driving the Senior Ladies to Prayer Meeting, concerts, etc., working with the youth, and driving the buses.

His greatest joy was his family; his wife, his only son preceded this life at age of 16; and love for his Beagles. He loved Snoopy, although it was always too cliche’ for his Beagles. He loved cooking, especially grilling.

His career was industrial sales, until he became disabled, for which he was well known for his integrity and kindness.

From his wife’s, and the rest of the family’s perspective, life was not easy for Kerry. He endured many years of pain and suffering and chronic illness that left him wheelchair bound, but you never heard him complain. Even with the pain of losing their only child, Kerry sought to bring light to others. And still, a faith and hope that this life is not the end but a journey of service to only glorify The Father.

It is our earthly loss for this moment of Kerry -- husband, brother, relative, friend, that we grieve. We celebrate that he is free indeed, freed from his physical body to a new one; continues walking in faith welcomed home by Jesus Christ whose blood was shed for Kerry and all who believe (John 3:16). We celebrate that he is seeing a host of witnesses (Hebrew 11:1). He is welcomed home by his beloved son, Matthew Ryan Phares; parents Ray and Doje Phares; father-in-law, Kenneth George; aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Leaving to miss him terribly, until their turn to be called home to our Heavenly Father; his faithful wife, Donna George Phares; sister, Lori Jo Phares; second mother, Wilma George Venable; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Susie George; nephew and niece Jeremy and Josie George, and their children, Madison (Maddie) and Major, and his many friends.


We would like to give special recognition – love and gratitude – to Rhonda his hospice nurse, a true angel of mercy called by God to minister in her field, always calming and caring no matter the circumstances; to his other caregivers, Shirley, Ashton, Cara, and others whose names I have failed to mention, we thank for your caring, gentle, loyal service.

We would also like to thank the Hopeful Hearts Sunday School Class for the love and support they have shown to us during our tenure in the class. God has truly blessed us with some wonderful, lifelong friends since we were fortunate enough to become a part of the class. Also, we thank Pastor Travis Edwards and family, all other staff, and all the members of North Nixa Baptist Church for their love and support since we began our journey their a few years ago. God bless you all.

Funeral services will be held at 12 pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2021 at North Nixa Baptist Church. Visitation will be begin at 11 am until service time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.