Phillip Kellum

Phillip Ray Kellum, 79, of Westmorland, was called home to be with the Lord on October 19, 2026. He died peacefully at home after having endured a long battle with cancer. He was lovingly cared for by his daughter, Jodi, while his son-in-law, Cam, kept the homestead running smoothly. His Son, Mitch, was a big support also whenever his demanding job responsibilities allowed him the time. His canine companions Pewee and Thumper, were always very near and dear to his heart and forever by his side.

Phillip was born in Hugo, OK, on August 18, 1947 to Jack and Ceola Kellum. The family relocated to Brawley, CA in August, 1959. He arrived in “style” with his 6 siblings riding on a mattress in the bed of a truck covered with a tarp. A true Grapes of Wrath entourage.

Phillip graduated from Brawley High School in 1966, and always claimed his “senior trip” was being drafted into the Army where he served 2 years. Upon his honorable discharge, he married the love of his life, Jan Swearingen, on July 21, 1968 and together raised two children, Mitch and Jodi, while working in the family cattle business 2 Bar Circle Cattle Company (=O). During that time, he also farmed 1,500 acres of alfalfa, cotton, wheat, and sudan with his father-in-law Wallace Swearingen. Not one to let grass grow under his feet, he also went to work for the IID as a zanjero for almost 30 years.

He coached baseball for 12 years, and training horses and working dogs was also always an early passion of his. He initiated an IVC Jr. College rodeo team in which he participated as a bull rider, bareback rider, team roper, and team penner. During that time he joined the Imperial Valley Sheriff’s Posse, being an active participating member for 50 years. Eagerly anticipated annual hunting trips to Utah and desert zone D12 were definitely highlights.

In 1997 his son, Mitch, took over the 2 Bar Circle Cattle Company, and renamed it Mitchell R. Kellum Cattle Company in 1997. The whole family worked it until 2008, when grazing regulations forced them to close their business. Later, to keep from being idle, he continued to run a small cow and calf and goat breeding operation with his son-in-law and daughter.

Phillip retired from IID in 2012, when his favorite pastime became watching his grandkids play in multiple sports, and having great fun teaching them how to hunt and fish. They have wonderful memories visiting and running around their Papa’s ARENA. He would have LOVED to participate in one last Utah deer hunting expedition, but it was not to be. Instead, he was able to smile at his grandson’s successful harvest the day before he passed.

Phillip leaves behind a large loving family which includes his son, Mitch Kellum (Kelly), daughter Jodi Cruz (Cameron), son Shawn McLaughlin (Andrea); grandchildren, Landon, Mallorie, and Drew Kellum, Jewel McLaughlin; sisters, Mona Kemp, Sue Westbrook, Jackie Anderson, and Dona Bailey (Larry). He was predeceased by his parents, wife Jan, brother Jerald (Betty) Kellum, brother Dwayne (Kamie) Kellum, brothers-in-law Tom Kemp, Andy Anderson, and Leon Westbrook. He leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will all greatly miss his presence at their fun family gatherings.

A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026, 9:00am at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Desert Wildlife Unlimited P.O. Box 1338 Brawley, CA 92227