Alexander McNeill Phillips
April 18, 2009 ~ July 16, 2025
Alexander McNeill Phillips, 16, passed away on July 16, 2025, in Columbus, Indiana. Born on April 18, 2009, in New London, Connecticut, the son of the late Fiona Patricia McNeill Phillips and Ralph Edward Phillips. Alex’s loving nature brought joy to everyone he met throughout his 16 years.
In his unique abilities, Alex enjoyed being a part of the Special Olympics and thoroughly loved his swim time at Donner Park, as well as Unified Track and United Sound at school and also the Mill Race Theatre Company. He looked forward to attending his junior year at Columbus East High School this coming fall. Even though Alex was non-verbal, he dearly loved seeing his friends at the Walmart on the west side of town.
Alex’s dad would like to say thank you to all of Alex’s friends and caregivers. As we mourn the loss of this young man, may we find solace in knowing that Alex is once again, and forever, reunited with his precious mom.
Alex is survived by his loving dad, Ed Phillips.
He was preceded in death by his mom, Fiona Phillips.
For those wishing to make a memorial in Alex’s memory, please send a monetary donation to Mr. Tim Wrinn Colchester Special Olympics in memory of Alex Phillips 32 O’Connell Road Colchester, CT 06415
There will be no services for Alex.
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I absolutely loved watching Ed and Alex together. Alex was a snappy dresser and most recently sported his East letter jacket—a present change from the sport coat he would wear to the theatre. I look forward to finishing the year with the calendar Alex gifted me. Each month a “day in the life of a teen.” (TV, tablet, phone, and laying on the couch. So absolutely perfect for a sixteen year old. Alex was the kind of person who made all of us look inside for ways to do better. Understanding that his touch on my hand meant acceptance. Creating art with his dad and sharing it with others. Being an athlete at East High School and proudly wearing the colors. Rest easy, Friend, and hug your mom. If you see my mom, hug her too. She will love you.
Mayleigh will miss Alex so much at East. She always loves telling me about her school days and often shares something Alex and her did. I loved watching Alex show goats last summer as well. Alex was such a joy to watch adventure in his own ways. Praying for your family and definitely will miss Alex but we will always keep the memories that we have close to our hearts.
Alex was loved by the many staff who were dedicated to them. Alex was blessed to have a dedicated and strong advocate in Ed. You worked tirelessly to provide him every opportunity and you will remain in my prayers as well as all who loved Alex. With sympathy, Patti Buell
What joy Alex and Ed brought to Sidekicks. Alex’s smile was infectious. An immediate smile hit everyone’s face the moment they saw Alex’s smile. Ed, you have been an amazing father cheerleading Alex in all of his abilities. Thanks for sharing Alex with us! May you feel our prayers and God’s loving arms wrapped around you.
-Sidekicks-
Ed,
Lives touching for only a moment in time, connect with Eternity.
Artwork gifted. Stage play characters . Elementary school reading program volunteer. Each of us Improvising Actors in scenes from Life’s Theatre.
The unique way Alex thrust you into the spotlight was perhaps his way of growing you into a person who looks for the Goodness in others while finding the Goodness in you!
“When one of us is gone
Voice no longer heard
Memory’s soothing balm
There is much that stays
When one of us is gone.”
–Larry Calfee
Thank you Ed and Alex, for choosing Columbus to connect us all with things that last!
Allessay will miss Alex! I used to call Lacey and tell her that Ally’s socks didn’t come home. I recently found out that Alex liked to hide them throughout the classroom! Prayers for you and your family!
I remember Alex’s little chubby cheeks while he watched bubbles and I remember him in his mother’s arms. What a connection they had and what a connection he had with you as well. I also remember one day he cried at my office. The first time you came back and you said “he misses his mom”. You were right because the two of you spoke a language into yourselves. You understood him in such a beautiful way. He was such a special young man. I missed you when you moved and I am heartbroken for all of you.
I feel a loss at being given far too little time to get to know such a beautiful, happy soul as Alex. His energy was infectious and he lit up the room every time I saw him. When he would touch my arm to let me know he was comfortable around me, I felt like I’d been given a gift. When he would reach up to high five me, I felt like I’d won the lottery. I didn’t get to make nearly enough memories of this wonderful boy, and I can only hope my friend and his incredibly dedicated father, Ed, can weave his own memories together in a way that will allow Alex to reach through and help his dad endure. I’ll think of you every time I see a light switch, Alex.
It was January 2024 when I first met Alex. He came to his dad’s rehearsal for “Inherit the Wind.” I shook his hand and that was the start of something special. Ed and Alex became fixtures in my life. Ed always made sure Alex was getting all of the activities and fun a dad could offer. I never once saw Alex upset about a thing. My favorite Alex communication is when he would touch my face. He was so gentle, so sweet, and was telling me that he liked me. I have dealt with a ton of fake people in my nearly 50 years, and this boy Alex, gave me more genuine interaction than many others. He became a beloved member of the Mill Race Theatre Company community, as well as the Columbus Mandolin Orchestra family, where he sat and enjoyed rehearsals. His time was short, and that is patently unfair. But, as our friend Jerry said on Alex’s last day, “He has lived more in 16 years than most of us.” That is the truth. He’s with his mom, and they are dancing.