Phillip Eugene McCreary 88, of Mitchell, IN, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Feb 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 and sister Jan McCreary Anderson. As well as many deeply cared for nieces, nephews and 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 example when he invested 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 to one of these foundations.

Funeral services for Phil will be held at 1:00pm, 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 10:00am until the service hour on Thursday, also at Ferguson-Lee Chapel. Burial will be on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 11:00am, 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 ordered at www.FergusonLee.com.