BEAVER DAM, Ky. — James Ellis Phelps, 89, of Beaver Dam, passed away Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born May 21, 1929, in Ohio County, Kentucky, to the late Ellis and Irene Wilson Phelps.
Mr. Phelps retired from Green River Steel. He loved spending time with his family, playing cards, horseback riding, and home improvement projects.
Aside from his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Ruth Ross Phelps; daughter-in-law, Nancy Phelps; two great-grandchildren, Avery Ruth Phelps and Jaleigh Elizabeth Phelps; and two sisters, Louise Bishop and Helen Hinkel.
He leaves behind to treasure his memory six children, Philip (Brenda) Phelps, of Owensboro, Kentucky, Sheila (Tony) Abney, of Beaver Dam, Kenny Phelps, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Benny (Becky) Phelps, of Louisville, Kentucky, Dennis (Leslie) Phelps, of Owensboro, and Donna (Wade) Perry, of Owensboro; 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; two siblings, Gladys Calloway and Mervil (Rachel) Phelps; special nephew, Danny Tatum; and several other nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, with Rev. Benny Phelps officiating. Burial will follow in Phelps Family Cemetery in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Friends may visit with Mr. Phelps’ family from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left at www.danksfuneralhome.com.