Charles David "Charlie" Phillips , age 61 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital after a few months of heart issues.  Charlie was born July 27, 1957 in Elwood, the son of Olen and Margaret (Mullins) Phillips.  He was a 1976 graduate of Elwood Community High School, and then served proudly with the Indiana National Guard where he was a communications technician and fleet maintenance technician.  Charlie was last employed as a janitor and maintenance person for Cerden & Sons Manufacturing in Frankton where he worked for 8 years.  Prior to that, he was employed by Fettig Canning Factory as a fork truck driver; a construction assistant for Steve Scott Construction; a production worker at State Plating Company; and worked as a janitor at Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood for many years.  He married the love of his life, Amanda J. Stinson, on August 24, 1991 after several years of courtship, and they shared over 27 years of marriage together.

Charlie was known for mowing numerous yards in Elwood for many years.  He was often seen riding his bicycle through Elwood, and he was friendly to everyone he met along the way.  He was a member of the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church in Elwood.  Charlie had a big heart, and never hesitated to help someone in need.  He enjoyed fishing; watching the Indianapolis Colts, Gomer Pyle, and Andy Griffith on TV; and going to community meals all around Elwood with Amanda.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Charlie's family includes wife, Amanda (Stinson) Phillips of Elwood; siblings, Eddie (wife Martha) Phillips of Alexandria, Barbara Sue Smith of Kokomo, Carl (wife Robin) Phillips of Kokomo, and Mary Jane Julian of Kokomo; special friends, Jack and Rob Wisneski of Indianapolis, Gary Strecker of Elwood, Steve and Shelly Scott of Elwood, and Patrick and Angie Green of Elwood; brothers-in-law who loved him dearly, Clarence Stinson, John (wife Tammy) Stinson, and Jim Stinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Johnny Phillips and Leroy Phillips.

A funeral service celebrating Charlie's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, December 4, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. David Hollis of the Cornerstone Assembly of God officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery with military honors recognizing Charlie's National Guard service.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at copherfeslermay.com.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the family to assist with funeral expenses through Gofundme.com - "Charlie Phillips Funeral Expenses" .