Phillip Lee Sweet

Apr. 26, 1948 - Jan. 9, 2004

Over the loud speaker at Heaven's private country club the starter's voice rang out "It's your tee Mr. Sweet" and at approximately 6:50 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, Phillip L. Sweet began the first of many rounds of golf in these new surroundings.

Phil, born on April 26, 1948 to the late Eugene and Catherine (Bishop) Sweet in South Bend, Ind., was a life long resident of South Bend.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Kathleen (Krizman) Sweet; his daughter, Julie (Mike) Kryder of Savannah, Ga.; and a brother, Dave Sweet of Indianapolis, Ind. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-law's, "out-laws", extended family and friends.

Phil served his country and was honorably discharged on Jan. 19, 1970, after spending 12 months in Vietnam with the 101st Army Airborne "Screaming Eagles" division. He received the following Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons. Awarded or Authorized: Two (2) Bronze Star Metals w/First Oak Leaf Cluster with "V" (Valor) Device, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service M w/2Bss, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Air Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Upon his discharge, he began working in the distribution industry and was employed by United Beverage Co. Inc. in South Bend.

Phil enjoyed many activities, from chasing a little white sphere around the golf course to making his special chili. It was no surprise to see him holding court at his residence on Saturday mornings to apply decal tattoos to his nephews, showing up for a squirt gun fight in full camouflage, or flying by on his go cart. He got the most out of everyday.

He was a fun loving son, brother, husband, father and friend. Uncle Phil, Uncle Frack, Budman, and Bubba were nicknames by which we knew and loved Phil. And he loved his golf.

He was kind, caring, considerate of other's needs, and a good provider for his family, but most of all, we loved him for his infectious sense of humor and smile. He could tell tall tales, playfully fib (or stretch the truth) to get a reaction, and enjoyed the laughter he evoked from us all. He had a gift that could always make the worst times palpable.....Did we mention that he enjoyed golf?

Although gone, his spirit lives on and will always be remembered.

Our wish for Phil is to hit them long and straight; soft hands on the chips, and a keen eye for the putting stroke.

You will be truly missed.

A Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, in St. Pius X Catholic Church, where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 and one hour prior to services Wednesday in the church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions in memory of Phillip L. Sweet can be made to the American Cancer Society, South Bend.

01/04/2023 DEC

South Bend Tribune