March 8, 1936 – February 6, 2025
Phillip Eugene McCreary, 88, of Mitchell, IN, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Mary Elizabeth (O’Brien) McCreary, whom he loved deeply. They were married on August 21, 1965, and their children John J. McCreary (Viviana), Deanna K. McMillen (Richard), and Elizabeth A. McCreary (Ryan Jones), grandchildren Ian, Rachel, and Aidan McCreary, Jacob, and Zachariah McMillen, and Julian and Serenity Jones. As well as many deeply cared for nieces, nephews, close cousins, and his Aunt Elaine Owens.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Anita M. McCreary, in infancy, and his parents, John Auras McCreary and Iva May (Owens) McCreary.
Phil was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, who loved spending time with his family. At family gatherings, along with deep discussions on philosophy, he enjoyed playing games and cards, especially Euchre.
Phil also enjoyed a wide variety of music, gardening, and caring for his large collection of houseplants, some of which he maintained for more than fifty years.
Phil often stated that his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He instilled a sense of commitment to nature and community in his children by, for example, investing his time and money into helping causes and people he cared for most. If a friend or family member asked for anything, Phil was there to help.
He was a longtime supporter of The Sierra Club, The Arbor Day Foundation, The National Parks Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, and The Special Olympics.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Phil’s memory to one of these foundations.
Funeral services for Phil will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Ferguson- Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford, with Pastor Millard Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour on Thursday, also at Ferguson-Lee Chapel. Burial will be on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., in Kempton Cemetery, Kempton, IN, with military rites accorded graveside by American Legion Post #46 of Tipton, IN.
Memories and condolences may be shared, and flowers may be ordered at www.FergusonLee.com.
