Charles White

Charles Phillip White, 92, of Willshire, Ohio, died at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born in Blackcreek Township, Mercer County, Ohio, on August 30, 1924, the son of Elmer Clarence and Dessie Violet (Steen) White. On August 5, 1944, he married Helen Jean Hileman, who preceded him in death on March 30, 2002. Helen Jean and Phillip owned and operated White's Engine Service for over 55 years. Phillip lived in the Mercer County area his entire life and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chattanooga, Ohio. Before opening White's Engine Service, he worked at General Electric in Decatur, Indiana. Specializing in the restoration of antique automobiles, he was a member of the American Austin Bantam Car Club for many years. Surviving are his son and daughter: Charles Elmer (Ruth) White of Willshire, Ohio, and Martha David of Sturgis, Michigan; 5 grandchildren: Patricia (Tony) Maravolo, Barbara (Serban) Cornicioiu, Christian (Candice) White, Joy (Rev. Christopher) Millay, and Faith (Joshua) Lanam; and 8 great-grandchildren: Marissa Maravolo, Nicholas Maravolo, Catalina Cornicioiu, Allysson White, Alexander White, Kara Millay, James Millay, and Charlotte Millay. Deceased in addition to his parents and his wife, Helen Jean, is an infant daughter, Margaret Jean White; a brother, Elmer Thurman White, and a sister, Vera Kuhn. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chattanooga, Ohio with Pastor Karen Tamorria officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 2- 8 p.m. at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, Ohio, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Memorials may be directed to the church.