The Loop Newspaper - Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide

Steven Vincent Phillips was born Sept. 14, 1997, in Bakersfield, California to Christina Sanders and Scott Phillips. He grew up in Tehachapi where he attended Carden Elementary and Jacobsen Middle School, finishing High School at Grizzly Academy.

Steven enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and completed basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Steven served as a communications specialist at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, NC. He was honorably discharged in August 2020. During his military career, he married Emily Searles in April 2018 and settled in Grover Beach, California after four years of faithful service to his country.

Steven loved gaming and hanging out with "The Boys." He loved the beach, surfing the ocean, the mountains and his animals. He had a quick wit, a sharp mind and a generous heart. He was the type to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He loved God, giving his life to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 8 years of age. He made his way through life's trials as best he could and wasn't afraid to challenge a thought or an idea in a respectful and direct way.

Steven is survived by his mother, Christina Sanders of Tehachapi; father and stepmother, Scott and Jeanine Phillips of Tehachapi; brother, Adam Phillips and his wife Ashley of Okinawa, Japan; sister, Hailey Rush and her husband Tony of Tehachapi; nephews, Remington Phillips, Cedar and Benjamin Rush, and his niece, Guinevere Phillips.

A Memorial Service was held at Tehachapi Church of the Nazarene, on Friday, April 28, with a Celebration of Life held at Mountain Bowling following the service.

The burial of Steven at Bakersfield National Cemetery preceded these events.

Wood Family Funeral Service has been entrusted with his care. For condolences, please visit http://www.woodmortuary.net.