WWII Veteran Surprised With A Party For 95th Birthday In Locust Grove

A Green Country community is honoring a World War II veteran in a special way.

Ervin “Dugie” Phillips turned 95 years old on Thursday, and his family threw quite the surprise party.

"Oh, Lord. This was a complete surprise,” Dugie said.

Ninety-five balloons, dozens of photos and memories, and three cakes all to celebrate one person. The town of Locust Grove even named the day in his honor, “Dugie Phillips Day.”

"It's very special,” Dugie said.

Dugie served during World War II in the Philippine Islands in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. He was part of the 77th Infantry Division of the United States Army. Dugie says he was offered a Staff Sergeant deal if he stayed three months longer in Japan, but he wanted to come home. He loves talking about his wife of 67 years, Alta Mae. 

"She was a wonderful, wonderful wife. She took care of me,” Dugie said.

When Alta Mae was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Dugie returned the favor. When the disease forced her into a nursing home, he would visit twice a day. She died five years ago, but she still makes him smile.

"I had lots of fun with her,” Dugie said. 

His oldest daughter Darlene Fite helped plan the party. She says everyone in town knows her dad.

"He's just a pretty special guy. I love my dad,” Fite said.

She says he's the glue to a family of his kids, grandkids, nieces, and great-nieces.

"I call him the energizer bunny. He never stops,” Fite said. 

That's his answer to his secret to long life.

"Staying busy. Keep going,” Dugie said.