Donald W. Phillips, Jr., 52, of Medina, passed away Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015, at the Hospice of Medina County in-patient care center, after a courageous nine year battle with Stage IV colon cancer. Don was born April 16, 1962 in Findlay, Ohio, to Donald and Barbara (Dunn) Phillips.
Don spent his early years in the Wood County area and attended McComb High School, where he was the class president freshman – senior years, and participated in many sports. In his senior year, Don was a Buckeye Boys State representative, All-Ohio Football, 1st team selection and a state runner-up in wrestling. Don attended Defiance College, and upon graduation pursued a career in consumer finance at American General Finance, and later with Regency Finance, a division of First National Bank of Pennsylvania, where he was a Vice President and Regional Manager for the past 15 years. Don married his wife, Beth in June 2000, and in 2002, their family expanded with the addition of their children, Nicholas and Kaitlyn.
Don is survived by his wife of 15 years, Beth (Matulevicus) Phillips, and their two children, Nick and Kaitlyn, as well as his parents; grandmother, Clara Buhler, of Deshler, Ohio; sister, Melanie (Rick) Twining, of Galion, Ohio; brother, Jonathon (Kris) Phillips of Lemoore, California; mother-in-law, Evelyn Matulevicus, and numerous other extended family members.
Don was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Howard and Leona Phillips; maternal grandfather, Robert Dunn; step grandfather, John Buhler; father-in-law, Frank Matulevicus, an aunt and several uncles.
Don’s greatest joy in life was providing for his family and spending time with them, along with having a successful career he enjoyed. He was a proud member of Granger United Methodist Church, where he found many fulfilling friendships and activities that provided him peace and fulfillment, especially this past year. Don and his family extend their gratitude to their entire church family for all their prayers and support throughout his journey with cancer.
They also wish to thank Dr. Suresh Mendpara and his staff for their care and kindness the past nine years, as well as staff at Hospice of Medina County, and other local medical providers that have provided care for Don.
Services are provided by Waite and Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina. Calling hours are 2 until 4 and 6 until 8 P.M., Friday, April 3, 2015, at the funeral home. There will be visitation and viewing 30 minutes prior to the funeral service, which will be Saturday, April 4, 2015, 11 A.M., at Granger United Methodist Church. Pastor Doug Lewis will officiate. Interment will be at Granger-Fairview Cemetery, immediately following service.
Donations may be made, in Don’s name, to Granger United Methodist Church, 1235 Granger Rd., Medina, OH 44256 or to Hospice of Medina County, 5075 Windfall Rd., Medina, OH 44256.
Online condolences at www.waitefuneralhome.com
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