PAXTON -- Phillip James Vontz, 76, died Thursday (Jan. 31, 2008) at his home in Paxton after a long battle with cancer.

He was born to Marion and Elda (Colling) on Aug. 28, 1931, in Indianola. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1949. He spent 21 years a lifetime career in the U.S. Air Force. He served in the South Pacific, VietNam, Alaska, Hawaii and Tiawain.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion in 1996 and Elda in 1998; brother, Larry in 1992 and sister-in-law, Nadina Vontz.

Survivors include his wife, Janice; five children, Kathy, Kay, Karen, Brenda and Kris; four brothers, Cliff and wife, Patty of Clifton, Colo., Bill of Indianola, Ron and Marilyn of Glendale, Ariz., and Tom and wife, Janice of Buttonwillow, Calif,; step-children, Kimberly and husband, Tobi Reynolds, Sheri and husband, Todd Nuemeyer and Jerry and wife, Carla Morgan; and six step-grandchildren.

Memorial services are planned for August 2008, in Fort McPherson Cemetery at Maxwell. His body was cremated.

Memorials may be sent to Janice Vontz at 201 West 2nd, Box 84, Paxton, NE 69155.