Phillip R. Kessie, 59, of Columbia City, Ind., passed away at 5:10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, at his home.

Born on Aug. 27, 1954, in Whitley County, Ind., he was the son of Gerald R. and Barbara R. (Amendt) Kessie.

He was a lifetime resident of Whitley County. He graduated from Whitko High School with the Class of 1972.

On May 29, 1999, he married Victoria J. Hileman in Columbia City. He worked on the family farm, at Perkins Furniture Transport in Warsaw for 16 1/2 years and then later at Dalton Corporation, Warsaw, where he retired with 17 years service. He was a member of United Steelworkers local #6805, Warsaw. He loved living on the farm where he grew up and enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and Nascar races.

He is survived by his wife: Victoria J. Kessie, Columbia City; a daughter: Audra (Chad) Marsh, South Whitley, Ind.; a son: P. Jeremy (Rindi) Kessie, South Whitley; a step-daughter: Samantha Smith, Waynesboro, Va.; his mother: Barbara R. (Amendt) Kessie, Columbia City; a sister: Elaine L. (Les) Kreger, Warsaw; a brother: Joseph F. (Darci) Kessie, South Whitley; eight grandchildren: Hali, Maryssa and Danika Kessie, and Whitney and Beau Marsh, all of South Whitley; Megan and Alyssa Leo, Virginia; and Jessica Zellmar, Bremen, Ind.; four great-grandchildren; several aunts, uncles, nieces and a special nephew: Taylor Kessie; and three beloved dogs: Izzi, Lulu and Sully.

He was preceeded in death by his father: Gerald R. Kessie.

Visitation is planned from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Kessie to Whitley County Animal Shelter or Parkview Whitley Hospice.