Phillip L. Hibst, age 73 of Elwood, died Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis after a brief illness. He was born April 14, 1941 in Elwood, the son of Francis A. and Ruby P. (Long) Hibst. Phil retired from Delco Remy Corporation in Anderson in 2003 where he worked for more than 41 years in production. He was a 1959 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood. Later, he served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later was presented several medals, including the Purple Heart. Phil was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood; the Elwood V.F.W. # 5782; the Elwood American Legion; the Alexandria Eagles Lodge; and the U.A.W. Union # 662. Phil enjoyed cooking, baking, and was known for preparing "Phil's roast beef" for his V.F.W. family. He also formerly enjoyed fishing with friends and family.

Phil's family includes a son, Philip A. "Joe" Hibst of Arizona; 2 brothers, Fred (wife Geri) Hibst of Elwood and David (wife Gerry) Hibst of Fayetteville, NC; 3 sisters, Mary Lamberjack of Elwood, Theresa (husband Henry) Beekley of Delmar, NY, and Judith (husband Sann) Froula of Brentwood, TN; his beloved dog "Jake"; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, Sue Belden and Patricia Vollenhals; and beloved pet, "Princess".

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Monday, January 5, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Father Dan Duff officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood with military honors by the U.S. Army and V.F.W. Honor Guards. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home on Monday. Memorial contributions: St. Joseph Catholic Church. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.