Stephen Phillips
Stephen F. Phillips, 65, of rural Carey, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at his residence.
Born on May 27, 1957, in Tiffin, he was the son of Richard E. and Deanna M. (Greer) Phillips.
A 1975 graduate of Carey High School, Steve began a lifelong career as a Wyandot County farmer. He loved his John Deere tractors, especially his JD4020. Gardening was a passion for Steve, not only providing for his family, but sharing his harvest with friends and the Carey Food Panty. He enjoyed deer hunting, welding and building things. In recent years, Steve had to get creative adapting equipment to meet his physical challenges. When building and creating things, his theory was “if it can hold me, it can hold anyone.”
Steve was a lifelong member of the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey and was involved with many committees over the years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 1925 Council in Carey and was a 4th Degree Knight. He was a believer in the Second Amendment and a member of the NRA.
Feeling a call to serve the public, Steve served on the Wyandot County Senior Fair Board for several years. Steve also served as a Crawford Township trustee from Jan. 1, 1994, until he retired Dec. 31, 2021. He loved being a trustee especially his time spent in the snowplow.
Steve married his high school sweetheart, Karen S. Yingling, on June 30, 1978, in Carey. She survives in Carey. He is also survived by three children, Grace (Rob) Gery, Lucas (Caroline) Phillips and Mary (Devin) Sizemore, all of Carey; nine grandchildren, Lydia, Nathan, Marissa and Brooklyn Gery, Isabel and Morgan Phillips and Scarlett, Sydney and Sienna Sizemore; and seven siblings, Rod (Madeline) Phillips of Carey, Virginia (Paul) Roland of Saginaw, Mich.; Cathy (Bruce) Mutchler of Findlay, Liz (Mark) McDougle of Carey, Mike (Karen) Phillips of Carey, Emily Arredondo of Carey and Mandy (Joe Rubaker) Keckler of West Middlesex, Pa.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home in Carey. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 am. Thursday, July 14, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Carey.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Consolation School and sent to the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed to the family via www.StombaughBatton.com.
