Byron Halvor Phillips

Byron H. Phillips passed away peacefully at his home in Meridian, Idaho, on May 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born in Ogden, Utah, on December 9, 1937, to Halvor and Pearl Phillips, Byron moved to Winnemucca, Nevada, at a young age. After graduating from high school, he served in the Nevada National Guard and received an honorable discharge. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Central America.

In 1967, Byron married Donna Trane, with whom he had four children: Cindy Ann, Don Ricardo, Lisa Rae, and Kim Byron. He graduated from BYU in 1968 and began a long career as a mechanical engineer with IBM that same May. His work took him and his family across the West, living in Colorado, California, and Arizona.

Following a divorce in 1988, Byron moved back to California, where he met and married the love of his life, Sally, in 1991. With this marriage, Byron lovingly accepted her four children into his life: Crissy, Brent, Cherie, and Brian. Byron and Sally shared a love for adventure, frequently spending their time square dancing and hiking and also serving a mission to Missouri and Arkansas together. In 1998, they both retired and moved to Meridian, Idaho, where they resided together until their deaths.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Byron served in many capacities, including as Executive Secretary in the Bishopric, being on the High Council and serving at the Family History Library. He especially loved the many hours he spent serving in the Boise LDS Temple.

Byron was preceded in death by his wife, Sally; his brother, Jim; and his parents, Halvor and Pearl.

He is survived by his sister, Doris Phillips; his sister-in-law, Sandi Phillips; and his children: Cindy Barnes (Daryn), Don Phillips, Lisa Taylor (John), Kim Phillips, Christine Gregory (Todd), Brent Townsley, Cherie Mertes, and Brian Townsley. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and another great-grandchild expected this August.

Byron leaves behind a profound legacy of faith, family, and love.

“And Now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.”  Alma 7:23-24