Michael S. Phillips

Michael Phillips, 50, of Carlsbad, NM, passed away at home on Friday, November 17, 2023, surrounded by his family and friends.

Michael Sean Phillips was born in Carlsbad to Billy Jack and Wanda (Blatsvich) Phillips on October 25, 1973.  He grew up playing sports, eventually playing Caveman baseball before graduating from Carlsbad High School in 1992.  Mike remained active in the community coaching youth sports, playing softball and then baseball in the “Oldtimers” league and was a longtime member of the Carlsbad Lodge of Elks #1558.  As a life-long resident of Carlsbad, Mike was well loved by his many, many close friends and family.

Mike was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer and loved camping and doing anything that would get him outdoors.  He worked in the oil, gas, and mining industries for most of his life and was also into mechanics and welding.  His longtime neighbors and friends especially enjoyed and will dearly miss his cooking and grilling. 

Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe and Stella Blatsvich, JB and Edna Phillips, parents Billy Phillips and Wanda Blatsvich, and niece Shelby Ridgway.

Survivors include his sister, Lori Ridgway and husband Mathew of Carlsbad, nephews Colton Ridgway of Carlsbad, Garett Ridgway of Albuquerque, uncle Robert (Bob) Blatsvich, aunts Carol Collins, Christine Yielding and husband Lonnie, all of Carlsbad, Sandra Kinser of Lake, WV, Tammy Huckabee and husband Kevin of El Paso, TX, his sons Taylor Luna of Houston, TX, Hunter Phillips and wife Breanna, and his beloved grandchildren, Gracelyn Jade and Atreus Fox Phillips of Carlsbad.