Charles T. (Chuck or CT) Phillips, 78, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 30th, 2024 at Kindred Hospital in Lima, Ohio.
Chuck was born on September 3, 1945 to Freeman and Billie (Bowman) Phillips in Peru, where he resided his entire life. He was a proud “Muckrat” growing up in Bloomfield, where he enjoyed fond memories with numerous cousins, and created everlasting friendships. On August 8th in 1992, he married Sue (Hodson) Phillips, and she survives. Together they enjoyed traveling and new adventures, gardening, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying their dogs. In 1994, Chuck made his first and only trip to California to visit family. He learned what “All Shook up” really meant after surviving the Northridge Earthquake. Although he loved his California cousins, he never wanted to go back after that!
In 1964, Chuck (CT) started a lifelong career with the Wabash Railroad, now known as the Norfolk Southern Railroad. After his dedication of 38 years, he celebrated retirement in 2002. Throughout his career, companionships were formed, and countless joyful memories were made. The railroad was always a topic of enjoyment and entertainment for him, and he never ran out of stories to tell. One of the trips to Detroit, he had an unexpected pleasure of meeting Johnny Cash. Johnny was performing there and was at the hotel where the crew was staying.
He was a lover of many things, but especially music. In particular, he fancied the oldies most. Hits from the 50’s and 60’s, and even Lady Gaga were his favorites and always led to a dance party. He enjoyed working in the yard, growing sunflowers, and gladiolus, and feeding the cardinals and hummingbirds. In his free time, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels for Dukes Hospital delivering meals. He was a past member of the Peru Lions Club, where he visited the Cheer Club members, and worked in the Tenderloin Booth. He always looked forward to working during Circus City Days, where he would converse with old friends and make new ones. At Christmas, Santa Chuck brought endless smiles, gifts, and candy canes to children and adults in the community. He never met a stranger and always had a smile – even in his final days. His passion for life was contagious.
Chuck loved all sports, but especially baseball. He coached Peru Little League baseball for several years. He “tried” playing golf but enjoyed the after parties more than playing the game. His love for baseball led him to be an avid fan of the New York Yankees, with his favorite player of all time being Thurman Munson. He collected memorabilia for several years, and rarely missed a ballgame. A lifelong dream and bucket-list wish of his came true in 2019, when he traveled to New York City with his wife, Sue, and granddaughter, Addy. He not only got to attend his first and only game at Yankee’s stadium, but privately toured it as well. Since childhood, he was their biggest fan.
Chuck endured and overcame many health issues, and survived cancer on three separate occasions. Over the course of the last three years, he showed us all just how strong he truly was. He fought each battle with a positive attitude, remained full of abundance, and continued to shine light into other’s lives. He always bounced back with a smile and told everyone he was fine and dandy. We would like to thank the staff at Kindred Hospital for providing him love, nourishment, and outstanding care during his final days. Also a special thanks to his nurses at Fresenius and the staff of Dr. Stephen Kennedy.
He is survived by his wife, Sue, children Derek (Loree) Phillips, Dawn Phillips, Julie (Ron) Gehrich, Jason and Jeremy Phillips, Alicia McClure, Ryan (Alicia) Hines, and Addasyn Hines. He was a loving grandpa and “Pappy” to 15 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Sherry (Jeff) VanBaalen, and brother David (Deb) Phillips. He will be missed by his fur babies, Sophie, Benji, and grand dog, Charlee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, baby son, Michael Phillips; daughter, Jenni Hines; sister-in-law, Becky Eisaman.
Visitation will be at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home in Peru on Friday, April 5th from 5:00-8:00pm, and on Saturday at 2:00-3:00pm. Funeral will be on Saturday, April 6th at 3:00 with services following at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru. Everyone is encouraged to pay tribute by wearing Yankee shirts or your favorite sports team attire. Services will be conducted by Pastors Rod Correll and George Dinkel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Hospitals, Helping Hands of Peru, Humane Shelters, or Pet rescues, or to charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles “Chuck” T. Phillips, please visit our floral store.