Philip Scott Hostetler

Philip Scott Hostetler, 55, of Goshen, went home to be with the Lord on March 1, 2017, after declining in health for the past six months.

He was born on August 2, 1961, to Alvin and Goldie (Hummel) Hostetler in Goshen.

Philip attended Horizon Learning Center in Elkhart. He was an athlete in the Special Olympics, and in 1978 his basketball team won the State Championship. He graduated in 1979 and began working for ADEC Industries. In 1988, Philip became the first person to donate money to the Mennonite Disabilities Committee toward Merimna Homes, a Christian long-term care facility for adults with developmental challenges. When the first group home opened at 1514 College Avenue, Philip became a resident. He lived there for seventeen years.  From 1979 through 2006, he worked for ADEC Industries and actively participated in Project Promise (Mennonite Disabilities Committee).  During those years, he enjoyed studying the Bible and sharing the gospel, acting the part of Joseph in Christmas plays, being in a bell choir, playing the organ and recorder, camping, canoeing, and riding bicycle.  He moved to the home of his sister in 2006 and to Greencroft Healthcare in 2008.

Philip loved the Lord Jesus Christ and would boldly ask people if they were Christians.  He often prayed for others and people came to him to ask for prayer.  He spent many hours in his room preaching and reading the Bible and had many scriptures memorized.  Philip was a member of Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship and faithfully attended services at Greencroft Healthcare.

Philip dreamed of becoming a preacher, a clown, a police officer, a firefighter, a lighthouse keeper, a weatherman, a Christian cowboy, and an American hero.  He was always ready to help others.  He loved being with people, entertaining, and teasing.  In his later years, he enjoyed participating in a Bible study at Greencroft, crafts, singing, crowing like a rooster during morning exercises, coloring, the weather, and anything to do with cowboys.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Gloria Joyce Hostetler.

He is survived by two sisters, Caroll Beall of Warsaw and Mari (Kim) Glick of Goshen; seven nephews and nieces; and 16 great nephews and nieces.  He had many friends, and the staff and residents at Greencroft Healthcare considered him to be their little brother.  He will be greatly missed, but he is finally with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Family and friends may call Friday, March 10, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 p.m. at the Meeting House in Greencroft Healthcare.  Burial will be at the Townline Cemetery, Shipshewana at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2017 followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. also at the Meeting House.  Will Schieler will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to MDC Goldenrod, 1514 College Avenue, Goshen, IN  46526