Philip Santillanes

Philip Santillanes, 74, passed away on May 7, 2024.  

Philip Santillanes was born in Nyssa, Oregon on December 15, 1949 to John and Elaine Gallegos Santillanes. His family moved to Pocatello Idaho in 1957 when Phil was 7 years old. Phil attended Alameda Jr High and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1968. Phil played little league baseball in his youth and participated in the Hispanic fiestas and dance festivals. His love of music and dance followed him throughout his life.

Phil joined the US Air Force right out of high school and served overseas in the Philippines. He was based at the Eglin Air Force base in Florida; he was trained in fighter jet egress systems. While in the service at the age of 21, Phil was in a vehicle accident that left him disabled with an honorable discharge.  Phil returned to Idaho where his parents helped with his rehabilitation but he did endure lifelong struggles from his injuries.

Phil married Sue Hawkins on September 8, 2018. They were happily married and living in Pocatello at the time of his death.

Phil loved to bowl and participated in many leagues over the years. He was a member of the US Bowling Congress and bowled a sanctioned 300 game, which he was very proud of. He also became an avid golfer and enjoyed recreational time on the course. He enjoyed painting in his younger years and had an extensive coin and stamp collection. One of his latest hobbies was working on his Lego collection which was quite remarkable with the limitations of his hand functions.

Phil is survived by his wife Sue, five siblings; Linda (Connie) Hawkins, Thornton CO, John (Rita) Santillanes Jr., Spokane, WA, Tim (Dianna) Santillanes, Pocatello, ID, Teresa (Steve) Briggs, Post Falls, ID, Rosanna Pollard, Post Falls, ID. He has one daughter, Neta Loftus and two grandchildren; Dakota and Kaytina. He has a very large extended family and many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

Philip is preceded in death by his parents, John and Elaine Santillanes, infant brother James Santillanes and brother-in-law Dee Pollard.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 14th 2024 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 2651 Cromwell Lane, Blackfoot, ID 83221.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Bannock Humane Society or Wounded Warriors for Veterans would be appreciated.

Our thanks to Brookdale Assisted Living and Enhabit Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate service during the past several weeks.

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