James “Don” Phillippe, 95, of New Palestine, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, at Morristown Manor. He was born on April 17, 1918, in Bicknell, Ind., as the son of James C. and Anna Bess (Chambers) Phillippe.
He graduated from Bicknell High School went on to serve in the Army. During WWII, he was deployed in Africa and Italy. He served as a Master Sergeant of the 91st Infantry Division and was awarded a bronze star. He married Ruth (Wagner) on Oct. 21, 1942.
Don worked for Indiana Insurance as an Underwriter for many years before retiring in 1983. He was a member of the New Palestine United Methodist Church where he served as a past financial secretary. He loved spending time with his family, doing yard work, and traveling to Florida.
He is survived by three sons, Ned Phillippe of Palm Springs, Calif., John (Teresa) Phillippe of Springfield, Va. and Thomas L. (Tami) Phillippe of Greenfield; four grandchildren, Mandy Begley of Chicago, Jonathan (Lara) Phillippe of Dallas, Ashley (Jordan) Tandy of Wabash, Ind. and Anna Phillippe of Greenfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Anna Phillippe; wife, Ruth Phillippe; siblings, Gilbert, Ken, Morris, Thelma, and twin sister Doris.
Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. U.S. Hwy 40, Greenfield, Ind. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, also at the mortuary. Burial will follow at New Palestine Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to New Palestine United Methodist Church, 3565 S 500 W Rd, New Palestine, IN 46163; Hancock County Meals on Wheels, 280 Apple St, Greenfield, IN 46140; Hancock Senior Services, 1870 Fields Blvd., Greenfield, IN 46140.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
