Philip Hilligoss

Philip Perry Hilligoss, 86, of Mansfield, OH, died July 12, 2008 at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, CO. He died Saturday afternoon in the loving presence of his sons, daughters-in-law and several of his grandchildren. Phil was born October 1, 1921, in Mansfield, OH, to Perry P. and Nellie Bitner Hilligoss. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1940, and remained close with high school friends throughout his life. In 1990, Phil and his wife Jean traveled to Hawaii with classmates for his 50th class reunion. Phil was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater as a Seabee in the Navy. Upon his return, he met and soon fell in love with Alice Jean Bright. They were married on October 21, 1946, at Grace Episcopal Church in Mansfield. Phil worked for the Westinghouse Electric Company for 46 years in Mansfield and then in Columbus, OH. Phil and Jean raised their four children in Columbus, returning to Mansfield upon retirement. Phil was a Boy Scout Leader with Troop 380 in Columbus, as well as a life-long woodcarver and member of the Woodchippers, Columbus and Johnny Appleseed Chapters. Friends and family marveled over Phil's beautiful and whimsical creations. He belonged to the Masons, Mansfield Council #94 for 65 years, and was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. Phil was a gentle and loving man who always had a smile on his face. He was a devoted father whose patience and good nature were evident in everything he did. His children remember him sitting contentedly with their mother by his side, a woodcarving in progress in his hands and woodchips all around him. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law, David and Caroline Hilligoss of Loveland, CO, John and Helen Hilligoss of Ault, CO, and Mark and Barb Hilligoss of Hilliard, OH; ten grandchildren, Nathan Greaney of Dayton, OH, Molly, Hannah and Ethan Hilligoss and Etta Schwirtz of Loveland, CO, Michelle Backman and Amy and Lisa Hilligoss of Ault, CO, Peter and Jeremy Hilligoss of Hilliard, OH; and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean in 2007, his daughter, Philann in 1989, and his brother, Myron.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Mansfield. Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 41 Bowman Street, Mansfield, OH 44903.