(West Unity Resident)
Philip Edward Funkhouser, 87, of West Unity, passed away on October 16, 2024 at his home.
He was born on April 8, 1937 in Defiance County to Wendell Ward Funkhouser and Eve Lanore (Rhoades) Funkhouser.
Phil graduated from Paulding High School in 1955. While still in school, he drove truck for the Defiance Dairy.
After graduation, Phil helped build the cement plant in Paulding before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1956. He honorably served his country for four years and worked as an electrical technician until being discharged in 1961.
In 1957 he married Sue DeMuth of Paulding and she survives. In January of 2025, they would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.
Phil was hired at AT&T after being discharged from the Navy and worked there until early retirement in 1988. He and Sue both worked at Powers and Sons in Montpelier through a temporary placement agency for two full years before officially retiring.
In 1985 they purchased their beautiful cottage on the Ottawa River in Canada and spent as much time there as they could. Phil was a member of the Paulding County Gun Club, Buckeye State Sheriffs Association and the Williams County Conservation and Gun Club. He was an avid trap shooter and he could catch fish in the bathtub.
Phil was always willing to help anyone in need and had a love for all the cats he and Sue rescued over the years. When it came time to sell the cottage in 2010, Phil said “Don’t ever let me complain we’ve had it all”. Phil is a man who will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of nearly 68 years, Sue Funkhouser; three children, Michael Edward (Vickie) Funkhouser of West Unity, Katherine Ann Jernigan of West Unity and Mary Louise Hartsock of Montpelier; eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and sister, Linda Donaldson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Derek Hartsock; and sister, Margie Hill.
Per the family’s wishes, no services will take place. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Thompson Funeral Home in Montpelier.
Condolences can be left online for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com.