Friends of veteran Harry Phillips held a service Saturday to commemorate his distinguished life. Phillips, 68, of Jonas, passed away on June 12 at Brookmont Health Care Center in Effort.

Born in Salem Township on Oct. 11, 1947, Phillips served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion Post 927 and American Legion Post 274 in Gouldsboro. His last years were spent at Major Paul Syverson Veterans' Sanctuary ("Paul's House") in Jonas.Phillips was remembered as the "Maintenance Man" of Paul's House, always ready to fix a sink, change a light bulb, or craft a birdhouse. The so-called "Harry Face," an arched eyebrow and subtle head-shake capped off with a smirk and smile, was legendary among Paul's House volunteers and friends.Organized by groups including the American Legion Riders Post 927, Warriors' Watch Riders and more, the remembrance kicked off with a motorcade. Leading the pack was a golden-orange Harley Davidson, the type of bike that Phillips always wanted, which carried his ashes.Starting at Gower Funeral Home in Brodheadsville at 4:45 p.m., the motorcycle entourage traveled along Route 209 South to Route 534 West, culminating at Paul's House at 5 p.m. for a service. Along the way, township residents stood at the roadside bearing American flags and saluting the procession, honoring Phillips' memory.Across the road from Paul's House, a large American flag was hung from the extended ladder of a West End Fire Company truck. The backyard of the sanctuary was filled with volunteers, bikers, and fellow veterans from the region and beyond. A small tent held a collection of Phillips' personal effects, among them a Native American dream-catcher, a pair of well-worn cowboy boots and a hat, and plenty of photograph collages.Following opening remarks and prayers from Rev. Jim Mills, numerous friends and fellow veterans delivered personal eulogies. Brimming with amusing anecdotes, the stories provided comfort to the bereaved.David Jones, 59, a retired Navy submariner and resident of Paul's House, shared an especially intimate eulogy. Jones's tribute recalled their initial meeting, similar heritage (both were from what Jones called the "Coal Crackin' region of Pennsylvania"), Navy service, and hard work ethic that made them close friends."It became a strong and rock solid friendship, and some people likened it more to a marriage as to the way he and I often bickered. But we always got beyond our differences nonetheless. Many saw us as Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon of the Odd Couple, and I cannot fault them for that," said Jones.Jones proceeded to recite passages from Jose N. Harris' "Mi Vida" in honor of his friend. A closing prayer was followed by the Honor Guard performing taps, along with a series of three-gun volleys. Final remarks from Mark Baylis, 55 of Saylorsburg - a retired Army veteran and head volunteer at Paul's House - concluded the ceremony.An additional motorcade delivered Phillips' remains to Fort Indiantown Gap National Veterans Cemetery in Annville for burial on Sunday.As Jones said in his eulogy, "I don't know if Harry would have expected this, but it is a testament to how many lives he touched. I thank you all for showing up to pay tribute to my good friend."