David Eugene Phillips

David Eugene Phillips, of Indianapolis, was born September 14, 1957 in New Castle, Indiana and passed peacefully on November 2, 2026.

He grew up on the east side of Indianapolis and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1970, after which he worked as a meat-cutter at Standard Grocery. David was sworn into the Indianapolis Police Department (later Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department) in 1979, and retired as a lieutenant in 2020 after 41 years of service. He spent that bulk of that time as a detective.

David was known far and wide for his pulled pork, brisket, and down-home cooking. He prepared meals for everyone from senators to his Masonic family to cub scouts and athletes of all ages. He fed hundreds of people over the years and was well-known for it in Franklin Township.

In his younger years he enjoyed photography and marksmanship. In addition to cooking and barbecue, David loved football and tailgating, reading, auto racing, playing poker, fishing, and a good bourbon. Most of all though, he loved his family fiercely and took great pride and pleasure in supporting them in their pursuits.

David was a member of Pleasant Lodge No. 134, F. & A.M, the Scottish Rite - Valley of Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis F.O.P. No. 86. He was also a Past Patron of Acton Chapter 173, Order of Eastern Star.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Victoria Day Phillips of Indianapolis, his children, Tara (Aaron) Merkel and Grady (Erica) Phillips; grandchildren, Eliza, Oakley, Maverick, Aiden, Gracyn, and Kieran, all of Indianapolis; brother Darrell (Carmen) Phillips of Manhattan, Kansas, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alma Phillips, of Indianapolis, and his father and mother-in-law, Victor and Carol Day of Winamac, IN.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 13th, 2026, at Indiana Funeral Care at 2433 E. Main St., Greenwood, IN 46143, from 10am to 12pm, immediately followed by Masonic Service and Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shiners Hospitals for Children https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org or the SON Foundation of Indianapolis https://www.sonfoundationindy.org. 

Dress is business casual- Per David’s instructions, please no neckties.