Phillip Wayne "Phil" Highsmith, 62, of Belleville, born Thursday, Oct. 7, 1948, in Mt. Vernon, died Friday, April 22, 2011, at home surrounded by loved ones after a hard fought battle with cancer. Phil graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1966. He attended Illinois State University on a football scholarship, playing center for the Redbirds. He earned a B.S. in educationin 1970. He was a talented and popular athlete well known for his hijinks in high school, college and beyond. Phil taught and coached for over 30 years at Belleville West High School until his retirement in 2005. After retiring, he continued to volunteer at many athletic events to support the Mighty Maroons. He also enjoyed playing farmer with his buddies at S & M Dairy Farm. He was preceded in death by his parents, C. Wayne and Rubye Jeanne, nee Wilson, Highsmith and his beloved grandmother, Myrtle "Grampies" Highsmith, nee Williams. He is survived by his daughters, Stacey Highsmith of Denver, Colo. and Amy Highsmith (Ezra Bowman) of Denver, Colo.; two adored grandchildren, a granddaughter Charlotte Grace Highsmith Bowen and a grandson, Oliver Phillip Bowman; brother, Curt R. (Carol) Highsmith of Millstadt; niece, Christa Highsmith (Joel Chartrand) of Honolulu, Hawaii; nephew, Curtis "Chad" Highsmith of Belleville; godson, Lance Mayer of Belleville; as well as the mother of his children, Sandy Highsmith, nee Tattrie. The family would like to extend deep gratitude to all of Phil's physicians, nurses and close friends for contributing to the quality of his life over the length of his illness. Memorials may be made to the Belleville West Sports Booster Club in honor of his lifelong dedication and love of athletics. Condolences may be expressed online at www.kurrusfh.com. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville. A public celebration of Phil's life will be held Wednesday. The service will begin at 5 p.m. at Kurrus Funeral Home.