Clinton man killed in fire was an amputee battling cancer - KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & Sports

There are heavy hearts in a small East Feliciana Parish town after a man who was fighting for his life against cancer was killed in an early morning fire Tuesday.

The fire started just after 7 a.m. at the Clinton Manor Apartments on Plank Road.

Chris Phillips, 47, is being remembered as someone who did a lot for his community. Just about every day, Phillips saddled up his wheelchair and headed down to the Chevron.

 "He was kind. He would help his fellow roommates over there at the apartments. Some would be too sick to come out and he would come out and buy what they needed," said Judy Nation, friend of Phillips.

Nation says Phillips regularly bought himself cigars from the store. Fire officials say they found evidence indicating the fire likely started on the couch where Phillips was found.

"He was a single tenant of the apartment that is involved in the fire. We've determined that this area of origin revolved over in that part of the apartment. We were able to recover Mr. Phillips' body," said Brant Thompson with the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Nation says Phillips wouldn't complain about his situation. He was an amputee with only one leg, and was battling cancer.

Rain or shine, Phillips would make the trip to the Chevron. Nation says that because he was in a wheelchair, some of the items he bought for others were too high on the shelves. She said she was happy to help Phillips. She says his fighting spirit will be missed.

There is no word on services for Phillips.

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