Phillip J. Vasquez, age 86, of North Platte, formerly of Sutherland, died April 12, 2019 at Great Plains Health. Phillip was born on May 1, 1932 in Garden City, KS to Catalino and Josephine (Perez) Vasquez.
Phillip grew up in Sutherland and worked at various farms and ranches in the area. On June 4, 1953, he married Betty Boyer in North Platte. The couple made their home in Sutherland. Phillip hired out with the Union Pacific where he was “Mr. Switch” with the Maintenance of Way Department. He retired from Union Pacific in 2002.
He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and Knights of Columbus #1211. Phillip loved people and never knew a stranger, always giving out caramels to everyone he met. He loved and was loved by his wife and children but had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who could do no wrong in his eyes.
Survivors include his wife Betty of North Platte; 2 children, Lew Sr. (Julie) Vasquez of Paxton, and Josephine (James) Beranek of North Platte; 3 grandchildren, Jason (Tia) Vasquez of Cleveland, OH, Lew Jr. (Joann) Vasquez of Paxton, and Justin (Jamie) Vasquez of Topeka, KS; 8 great-grandchildren, Mary, Sara, Emma, Caden, Keeley, Reece, Miley, and Micha; a sister, Lucita Goodnight of North Platte; 2 brothers, Vern (Wanda) Vasquez of Cheyenne, WY, and Catalino (Nancy) Vasquez of Sutherland; a sister-in-law, Ruby Vasquez of Scottsbluff; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Phillip Jr.; grandchildren, Jared and Janet Beranek; sisters, Frances and Caraline; brothers, John, Leu, and Mike. A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday April 16, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday April 17, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Matthew Nash as celebrant. Inurnment will be at Riverview Cemetery near Sutherland. Register book signing will be Tuesday from 9-5 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.