Phillip Stephen Assel passed away on August 31, 2026, at the age of 61.

Phillip was born April 2, 1965, in Cameron, Missouri.  He graduated from Lathrop High School in 1983.

Two months before graduating high school, Phillip started his work at Everett Quarries in Plattsburg, MO, as a heavy machine operator.  As the years passed, he became a truck driver and then a mechanic.  Phillip woke up every morning excited to go to work and kept a journal of what he did at work each day.

Phillip married his high school sweetheart, Gina Helms, in Lathrop on September 2, 1983, and they shared many years together building a beautiful life and taking care of each other at every turn.

Even though life dealt Phillip a difficult hand, he lived the life he had to the fullest.  He loved music, fixing things in his garage, dirt bikes, and attending all the activities his children were involved in.  Phillip loved spending time with his family.  He never met a stranger and loved making people laugh.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents Paul Assel and Jean Henley Assel.

He is survived by the love of his life, Gina Kaut; daughters, Brooke Higgins (Colby) and Brittany Assel (DeAndre Thomas); grandchildren, Olive Higgins, Elijah Higgins, Adaya Thomas and Amari Thomas; 2 brothers, 4 sisters, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Bram Funeral Home in Hamilton with formal visitation being held from 10 to 11 a.m., at the funeral home and the memorial service to follow at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Phillip's memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton.

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow!  What a Ride!'"

-Hunter S. Thompson