Phillip Gene Strouse, 68, Ligonier, passed away following an extended illness. He was born Oct. 16, 1949, the son of Marlo Clifton and Donnabelle Rose (Staton) Strouse in Wolf Lake.

He is survived by his siblings, Don (Sally) Strouse, Goshen; Kathy (Randy) Cronk, Fort Wayne; Kim Short, Ligonier; and Karen Strouse, Ligonier; special nieces and nephews, Tim Strouse, Jim Strouse, Tammy Hicks, Vince Gose, Ron Short Jr., Shawna Short, Matt Short, Bobby Ritchie, Mandy Deskins, and Jessica Griffith; along with his friend and cousin, Melody Mellow; and a good friend, John Alfrey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Susan Gose; a niece, Tiffany Ritter; and good friends, Jim Wyatt and Roger Sprague.

He worked as a machinist for many years and enjoyed collecting tools and repairing things, mushroom hunting, and fishing.  He also had a love for birds, especially hummingbirds. More than anything, Phillip enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and loved having children around, especially his nieces and nephews.  Phillip was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held in Phillip Strouse’s honor at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 24, at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South; Ligonier, IN 46767. Pastor John Lutton will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier.

Family and friends will be received from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to Noble Transit, 111 Cedar St, Kendallville, IN 46755.

Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.