John Frederick Phillips

October 4, 1934 - October 4, 2018

John F. Phillips, 84, of Wapakoneta, died 12:21 p.m., on his birthday, Oct. 4, 2018, at Kindred Hospital, Lima surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 4, 1934, in Lima, the son of John W. & Gladys V. (Frederick) Phillips. On Sept. 6, 1953, he married Miriam A. (Prieser) Phillips, and she survives. Other survivors include, 5 children, Penny G. (John M.) Zink, Wapakoneta; Melissa A. (Dick) VanderPloeg, Wapakoneta; John W. (Jill) Phillips, Zanesfield, OH, Paul D. (Victoria) Phillips, Springfield, OH; & Lori K. (Jerry) Meckstroth, Marysville, OH; 15 grandchildren, John R. (Annie) Zink, Erin (Jason Rittenhouse) Zink, Sara (Adam Baber) Zink , Tom (Vicki) Zink, Misty Eastman, Nichol (Brian) Morey, Jennifer (Andy) Dean, Robert (Marla) Green, Jerod Lookabaugh, Jennifer (Joshua) Browning, Michael (Sylvia) Phillips, Daniel (Amber) Phillips, Adam (Caitlin) Phillips, Meghin Meckstroth & Mallory Meckstroth, 28 great grandchildren & 3 great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Janis Klay. John retired in 1996 as an engineer from General Dynamics, Lima. He worked with them as an expatriate in Egypt from 1994-1996. Prior to that, he worked at Baldwin- Lima- Hamilton and Clark Equipment both of Lima. In his younger years, he also worked with his parents at Phillips Flowers. A 1952 graduate of Blume High School, he attended The Ohio State University and was a member of Army National Guard. John was a member of First United Methodist Church, Wapakoneta., and the Gideons International. He was an avid golfer and member of the Wapakoneta Country Club. John and Miriam were loyal supporters of the Wapakoneta High School athletics. He was also a fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes and the Cleveland Indians. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wed. Oct. 10, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, Wapakoneta with Pastor Josh Tissot officiating. Burial is to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive family and friends 4-8 p.m., Tues. Oct. 9, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, 1102 Lincoln Ave., (St. Rt.501) Wapakoneta, and from 9:30 a.m. until time of service, Wed. at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First United Church or the Gideons International. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.