Phillip E. Myers

Phillip E. Myers, 86, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 12:52 am Thursday, October 18, 2016 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, Illinois.

He was born September 25, 1930 in Galesburg the son of Earl and Vera Larson Myers. He married Jane Kemmitt on February 24, 1950 in Galesburg.

Surviving is his wife, Jane, of 66 years; two sons, Tom (Deb) Myers of Knoxville and Tim (Karen) Myers of Riverton, Illinois; five grandchildren, Toby (Terrah) Myers of Knoxville, Angie Myers (Mike) Brown of East Peoria, Illinois and Derek, Denise and Danielle Myers of Riverton; four great grandchildren, Trevor and Teegan Myers and Karter and Jaxson Brown; several nieces and nephews; two sisters, Kathryn Judson and Margaret Curry, and two sisters-in-laws, Ruth Pecsi and Marie Myers. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Harlan Myers.

Phil graduated from Galesburg High School in 1948. While in high school he was active in FFA (Future Farmers of America). After graduation Phil married Jane Kemmitt and went to work for the Victor Casket Hardware. He then worked for the Burlington Truck Lines as a rate clerk dock man and also worked on the dock for Dohrn Transfer Trucking. He was a truck driver for Rite Way Disposal and lastly Westtown Trucking, retiring in 1997.

He was very active with his sons in 4H showing beef cattle at county fairs. Phil was a hobby farmer, raising chickens, rabbits and beef cattle.

Phil served on the Knoxville Zoning board of appeals. He was a Knoxville City Councilman for 8 years from 1993-2001. He was the Knoxville mayor for 8 years from 2001-2009. He was the President of the Galesburg Antique Car Club and owned several antique cars.

Phil was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church serving on the church council two terms. He volunteered to mow the church cemetery weekly for many years. He was a member of the Knoxville Historical Society. For many years, Phil set up a beautiful Christmas light display in their front yard on the Knoxville hard road.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Friday, October 21, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. Michel Clark will officiate. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday at the chapel. Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church, Knoxville or Hospice Compassus. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com