Patrick “Pat” Paul Phillips, age 71, of Grand Rapids, MI, formerly of Bexley, Ohio, joined his Lord and Savior peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2026, while surrounded by his loving family. 
He was born on April 28, 1955 in Traverse City, MI and shortly thereafter adopted by Harry and Florence Phillips of Bexley, OH. Pat was a graduate of Bexley High School, University of Richmond, and Capital University Law School. Professionally Pat worked as an intellectual property attorney and History/Latin teacher.  To those closest to him, he was a travel advisor, fun-fact connoisseur, comforting conversation starter, and most importantly to him, a faithful servant of our good and merciful Creator. 
He was passionate about serving in his community, doing so through the Bexley Celebrations Association, Boosters and many other community and school events.  He was also a proud University of Richmond Spider, aiding in admissions in Central Ohio by hosting college fairs and meeting with prospective students.  He was an avid lifelong learner, taking courses in Bible, Christian faith, U.S. history and more.
Of utmost importance to Pat was his Christian faith.  He was a former member and elder of East Side Grace Brethren Church (Blacklick, OH).  Later he was a member of Grace Fellowship (Pickerington, OH), and Chapel Pointe (Hudsonville, MI). He had a deep-rooted relationship with Christ, which was something Pat helped instill in not only his children and grandchildren, but also in countless others. Pat previously served on the board of directors of the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. (Charis Fellowship).
Pat was a devoted husband of nearly 43 years to Cindy; a loving father to Preston (Hannah), Colin (Megan), and Caroline; His seven grandchildren: Zander, Payton, Everett, Scarlett, Emerson, Lennox, and Elliott, will always remember “Grandpa” as a loving, kind man who sought to bring them abundant laughter and smiles. He is survived by the aforementioned, as well as his sister Elizabeth “Libby” (Scott) Fagan; nephews, Mark and Brad Fagan; and countless friends who will remember him fondly. He was preceded in death by his parents. 
A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Grace Fellowship Church (Jefferson Campus), 3600 N. Waggoner Rd., Blacklick, OH, with Pastor Jake McCullough and Pastor Chip Heim officiating. A time of fellowship and continued celebration of Pat’s life to follow in the lobby. To honor Pat and celebrate a life well lived, we invite guests to wear plaid or red, white, and blue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to Roots of Grace Building Future Foundations Campaign (https://www.rootsofgrace.org/building-future-foundations or PO Box 130, Pickerington, OH 43147).