Philemon (Phil) R. Southwick, 86, passed away at his home on June 7, 2018. The son of Robert L. and Ethel (Clark) Southwick. He is survived by his loving wife, the former Jerolyn Mickelson, who he married July 31, 1987.
Also surviving is a son, Steven Southwick of Springfield, a nephew, Andy Southwick of Springfield, four stepsons Stephen Tacilauskas of Houston, Texas, Timothy Tacilauskas (Shelly) of Springfield, Keith Errett (Joann) of Springfield, and Brett Mickelson (Sharah) of Glenarm, four step-granddaughters, Kristen Errett, Kaila Errett, Kylie Goldstein and Ireland Durham, and a special step-grandson Nicholas Errett, and his dog Clancy. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Robert C. Southwick, and several aunts, uncles and cousins, and a canine companion Aries. Phil received his elementary education in 2 one-room schools before attending Ball-Township High School where he participated in athletics and was a National Honor Society Member, graduating in 1950.
After school, he worked in factory and trucking jobs before being drafted into the Army in 1952. After his Army discharge in 1952, he was employed by the Railway Express Agency in Springfield until 1957 when his career with the Illinois State Police began. He worked in the Patrol Division for thirteen and a half years before transferring to the Governor’s Security Detail serving during the terms of Governor Ogilvie, Walker and Thompson for fifteen years before retiring in 1985.
Later he worked with the U.S. Marshalls Service for twelve years as a court security officer. He was also a small farmer for more than fifty years. His interests were reading, attending farm auctions, family and local area history, farming, antique tractors (particularly John Deere) and getting together at the Lairs Club.
His memberships included American Legion, Farm Bureau Charter, member of State Police Lodge #41, retired Illinois State Police Officer Association, and Rochester Christian Church. Phil took pride in his heritage being a 9th generation of Lawrence and Cassandra Southwick who landed in Massachusetts the year of 1627 from Wales. On his mother’s side, he had a great-great grandfather (Edward Clark) who was an early settler and businessman of Rochester, Illinois.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester with Reverend David Upchurch officiating. Burial will follow at Brunk Cemetery. In lieu of flower contributions, please consider donating to the Animal Protective League, American Heart Association, Ansar Shriners, and the United Service Organizations (USO).
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