Gerald Eugene “Curly” Phares, age 81, of Mohawk, passed away on Monday, Oct. 10, 2011. Born on April 15, 1930, in Indianapolis, he was the son of John Robert Phares and Autumn (Leary) Phares McNeff.
Mr. Phares married Jacqueline Striebeck on Aug. 23, 1952. He graduated from Maxwell High School in 1948 and was a lifelong farmer. Mr. Phares served in the National Guard, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was an active member of the Mohawk United Methodist Church where he was a song leader, Sunday school superintendent, and youth leader. He enjoyed farming and being a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Surviving him are his children, Gerald A. (Lue Ann) Phares of McCordsville, Robert N. (Laura) Phares of Mohawk, Marsha A. (Kenney) Hockersmith of Mohawk, Myra E. Williams of Mohawk; 11 grandchildren, Kelly (Ben), Beth (Mike), Katie, John, Sarah (Jake), Emily, Jimmy, Josh, Lucinda, Jennifer, Sam; five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Tori, Loralye, Delilah, Damien; sisters, Martha Bauchert of Fortville and Rosalind Burk of Mt. Comfort; and brother, Kenneth J. (Wilma) Phares of Mohawk.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Jacqueline; parents, Robert and Autumn; step-father, Clarence P. McNeff; nephew, Keith H. Eakin; and niece, Katrina S. Burk.
Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, at Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, also at the mortuary. Pastor Greg Pimlott will be officiating. Burial will follow at the New Palestine Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mohawk United Methodist Church, 2045 West 400 North, Greenfield, IN 46140-7748, or to the Debra L. Plank Scholarship Fund, c/o Hancock County Community Foundation, 312 E. Main St., Greenfield, IN 46140.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
