Fern E. Phillips' Obituary
Fern Eileen Phillips born August 4, 1926, in West Jefferson, Ohio, earned her celestial wings on October 25, 2016, in Grand Island, Florida. Fern met her future husband Paul Phillips while she was still in high school. Fern excelled as a State Certified Welder and Trainer for Surface Combustion in Columbus, Ohio, fabricating aircraft heaters. When Paul returned from World War II where he had been a B-17 ball turret gunner and POW after his aircraft was shot down, he and Fern were married on April 20, 1946. With Fern's support, Paul joined the Ohio Air National Guard, received a commission and was called back to active duty for the Korean Conflict. Paul went on to serve in Viet Nam also and retired from the USAF in 1970. After retiring, Fern and Paul moved to Florida. Fern was preceded in death by her parents Cora A. Shrum and Pearl R. Shrum: her brothers Eugene R. Shrum, Pearl R. Shrum Jr. and her sisters Jessie M. Bradley, Goldie L. Johnson, Violet F. Morton. Fern is survived by her husband Paul S. Phillips, her children Terry L. (Debbie) Phillips , Paula E. (Robert) Stokes and Rodney A. (Robin) Phillips, 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall.
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