Phillip Roy Kilmer

Phillip Roy Kilmer, 77, of Benton, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 2, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 1, 1946 in Goshen to Herman and Kathryn (Yoder) Kilmer.  They preceded him in death.

On June 1, 1968 he married his wife of 55 years, Arleta Schlabach of Clinton Township.

Arleta survives along with five children, Kevin (Karilyn), Keith (Kim), Kenton (Jenny), Daniel, Crystal; grandchildren, Phillip (fiance Katrina Rios) Kilmer, Katelyn Kilmer, Madilyn Kilmer, Julie Barnett, Jasen Woodrum, Ethen Woodrum; step-grandchildren, Chris (Kirsten) Stutzman, Kyle Stutzman, and Dylan Lackey and Nathan Henniges; step-great-grandchild Davian; beloved sister, Wanda Cross, sister-in-law, Kate (Delbert) Yoder and brother-in-law, Charlie Smith.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Delbert Yoder and Ralph Kilmer, sisters, Marcia Kilmer and Connie Smith, and brother-in-law, Al (Wanda) Cross.

Phill worked several careers from a hospital orderly in Flint, Michigan as his alternative service in the mid 60s, to a certified nursing assistant at Greencroft where he retired. In between he was a bank teller, office manager, bookkeeper, and receptionist. His first job was catching chickens for Ezra Schlabach and that is how he met Arleta.

Phill was a member of the Benton Mennonite Church where he served in several positions. He was a 31 year veteran of the Benton Township Fire Department where he also served as an Emergency Medical Technician for 20 years.

Phill had many interests from drawing and art to architecture. He enjoyed woodworking and built several pieces of furniture that are treasured by his family today. One of his greatest passions was working his hobby farm and raising Belgian horses.

But it was his relationships with people that Phill will be most remembered. He was a husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend, and, most importantly, grandpa. He occupied these roles completely and relished each relationship. If you were lucky enough to know Phill, he made sure you knew you were special.

Visitation will be Monday, February 6, 2023 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.

The casket will be closed after the Monday visitation. Friends will also be received Tuesday, February 7 from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service at Benton Mennonite Church. Pastor Brenda Meyer will officiate.

Burial will follow at Benton Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Benton Volunteer Fire Department.