Phillip Edward Delaney

Phil the man of Steel:

Phillip Edward Delaney, a man who lived life in the fast lane and made sure to enjoy every pit stop along the way, has taken his final checkered flag. Born on June 23, 1965, in the sun-kissed town of Tolleson, Arizona, Phillip revved through life's twists and turns until he crossed the finish line on April 25, 2025, in Marana, Arizona.

Phillip's journey was marked by his hard work, but he was truly someone who knew how to extract joy from his world. A man of many talents and interests, he steered his passion into CactusRV, a family-run business that would become his legacy. Phillip's love for fast cars, collecting anything automotive, and the great outdoors was only matched by his passion for drag racing. He often left his competition in the dust, wondering if they'd just seen a blur or Phillip's trademark grin.

As the patriarch of a close-knit family, Phillip was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn, and brother, James Vincent. His pit crew in life consisted of his father, Phillip H. Delaney, and two sisters, Christine (Paul) White and Patricia (Terry) Olsen. Phillip's heart belonged to his wife, Paula Delaney, who was his co-pilot in 42 years of adventure. His legacy includes his daughter's Shawndra, who, along with her children Karlee, Kaleb, and Kaydence, kept the laughter echoing; Ashtin (Ron) and their trio Emma, Logan, and Westin who all added to the joy; Latisha (Kelly) and their sons Easton and Bennett stirred up the competition; and son Phillip Brendin (Krystina), who along with daughters Kensley and Brelynn, made sure the race track of life was always vibrant and full of cheers. Pop, as he was affectionately known, wore his pride for all 10 of his grandchildren like a champion's trophy.

Known for being as wise as he was courageous, Phillip never shied away from a challenge, whether it was mastering the wilderness camping, skipping waves while boating, or conquering trails with family & friends while four wheeling. Passionate in all he did, he approached life with the same gusto as his beloved drag races, always ready to burn rubber and leave a trail of unforgettable memories.

In true Phillip style, let's remember him with a quote from the legendary comedian Robin Williams, who once said, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Phillip certainly never lost his. His laughter was genuine, his stories were legendary, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him.

To have known Phillip was to know a life well-lived, a race well-run, and a story well-told. As we bid farewell to a man who was larger than life, let's honor his memory by living as he did—full throttle, with passion, and always ready for the next adventure. Phillip Edward Delaney, you have left the track, but your laughter still echoes in the wind, and your spirit continues to ride shotgun in all our hearts. Rev on, dear friend, rev on.

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