Phillip Lile Squires

Phillip Lile Squires returned to his Heavenly Father on November 30, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished and devoted his life to. Born on January 13, 1954, Phil began his journey with a spirit of adventure that never left him. His childhood brimmed with horses, orchards, goats, camping trips, and a boundless imagination—but mostly horses, fitting for a man whose name itself means “lover of horses.”

Phil’s life changed forever the day he met Barbara James. Captivated by her beauty, spirit, and grit—she stole his heart, then ran off to play baseball with the boys. From that moment, Phil knew he had found someone extraordinary. Together they built a life anchored in love, faith, and shared purpose.

As a young man, Phil served a mission in Tokyo, Japan, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—a defining experience that humbled him, strengthened his reliance on God and his Savior Jesus Christ. This cemented his commitment to service. Those lessons shaped the rest of his life. Wherever he was needed, he said yes—traveling to distant countries, embracing unfamiliar cultures, and discovering some of the most meaningful experiences of his life among humble places and humble people.

Phil and Barbara eventually settled in Farmington, Utah, where they raised their four children and created a home filled with adventure, hard work, and deep joy. Phil worked his way from basic construction jobs to owning his own business, finding fulfillment not just in building structures, but in building a life with his family. Together they rode horses, built homes, spent sun-drenched days boating at Lake Powell, forged legends at cousin camp, and upheld cherished traditions like birthday breakfasts. Phil also became the family’s beloved unpaid limo driver—a job he considered one of his greatest privileges.

A teacher at heart, Phil spent his life guiding young people through real adventures—ones that required courage, grit, and faith. Whether leading young men through rugged wilderness or mentoring missionaries in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Phil believed the best lessons were learned by doing hard things. He welcomed anyone willing to say yes to the saddle, sharing God’s country with seasoned cowboys and greenhorns alike.

Phil is survived by those he loved with his whole heart: his eternal companion, Barbara; his children—Calvin (Ashley) Lamont (Audrey) Angela( James) Jessie (Chris)—and his fifteen treasured grandchildren. His legacy lives on in their lives, their stories, and the love he taught them to carry.

He steps now into a new journey, welcomed by those who have gone before. And while his earthly chapter has closed, Phil’s story continues—because love like his never truly says goodbye.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the following charity to help others get an education.

https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/contribute/byu-pathway?cde2=pathway-home