The soul of Philip Milholland left his body on Thursday, May 23rd, 2019. Whether he is now energy flowing around us or he is standing at the Pearly Gates is a debate he would have enjoyed having. Whatever the answer, he is joining his parents, R. Glenn and Gladys (Waterman) Milholland and brother Don.
Phil was born June 6th, 1931 and was 87. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley; daughters Toni Lance, Katrina (Dan) Wilhelm, and Tami (Randy Robertson) Holland; grandsons Zachary (Valarie) Lance, Sam Lance; granddaughters Nettie (Pepper) Robertson, and Alex-Ann (Melle) Bakker along with 5 great grandchildren. He will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
Phil was an avid photographer and worked as a Photo-journalist at the Shelbyville News, Fort Benjamin Harrison, North Vernon Plain Dealer & Sun, but he didn’t stop working until his early 80’s as a janitor at Columbus Container. He enjoyed reading and could often lose track of time finishing that “last chapter” even when ice-cream was melting in the trunk or the girls needed to be picked up from practice. Phi was a tinkerer.
In his younger years, he helped his buddies build a sailboat in a basement and in his later ones, he modified an inflatable raft into the HMS Shirley to explore the waterways of Jennings County beginning with the Sand Creek that ran in back yard of his home. Phil may have passed away at a nursing home, but his heart was in Scipio. He often walked to the covered bridge, cleaning out the storm drains along the way, burning away the refuse if the wind wasn’t blowing too hard.
When he was able, he helped maintain the Scipio Graveyard near his home. Phil, accompanying Shirley, would attend the Scipio Presbyterian Church on occasion even though he considered himself agnostic. We think he went just to be able to sing harmony with the choir, he had such a wonderful baritone voice.
He enjoyed singing with his wife and daughters at Christmas and during long car rides. Phil was a Veteran of the US Air Force. He served during the Korean War.
He did not have to fire his weapon; he was in supply in Europe. We know he was thankful for that. He was stationed in France and Germany.
He rode his motorbike across the continent and even brought home his favorite Ducati. He kept his love of motorcycles for his entire life. After the service he worked with the National Park Service at Mesa Verde National Park.
We think this sparked his love of photography! He also visited the Corn Palace in Mitchell South Dakota, a novelty he encouraged his daughter to visit 50 years later. Phil enjoyed a good game of Euchre, a cold Red Stripe, a super sweet wine, a quiet day at the fishing hole and a spirited debate about any current event.
He will be missed by many! His celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon with military rites at the end of the service. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, May 30, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. until time of the celebration of life.
Memorials may be made through the funeral home to AmVets.
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