Phillip S. McKinstry, age 79, of Galion, Ohio lost his battle with cancer early Saturday morning on July 9, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.
He was born on November 17, 1942, to the late James W. McKinstry of Shelby Ohio and Kennetha Geyer McKinstry of Galion Ohio.
In his early years, Phil attended school in Martel Ohio and lived in the area surrounding the McKinstry farms. He joined the United States Army in 1960 and served a second tour of active duty in the Vietnam War specializing in tankers and semi-trucks. After his military service, he became a long-haul semi-truck driver by trade and in 1979 relocated his family to Midland Texas driving short-haul semi-trucks in the oil and gas industry. His favorite past times were camping, food and woodworking. In his retirement, he enjoyed cooking meals, baking, and creating beautiful wood pieces for friends and family leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship.
Phil married the late Marjorie Haner of Upper Sandusky Ohio in 1963 and had three children, daughter Jerri Ripplinger of Galion Ohio (formerly Midland Texas); son Michael McKinstry of Midland Texas, and the late Larry McKinstry.
Phil is survived by his grandchildren, Desiree (Kenneth) Terry, Jordan (Jennie) Ripplinger and Samantha (Brett) Sawyer; and great-grandchildren, Micaela Fernandez, Nevaeh Terry, Zayden Terry, Cash Strickland, and Cody Turnbow, all of Midland Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
Phil returned to Ohio in 1995 where he shared a life with and is survived by Rosemary Reed of Galion Ohio and his stepdaughters, Lisa Miller and Lori Reed, both of Galion Ohio; step-grandchildren, Chad (Jill Ann) Clinger of Ashland Ohio, Tiffany Miller of Galion Ohio, Cody St. Myer of Galion Ohio, Brittany (Spencer) Patchett of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, C.J. Gettys of Tokyo Japan, and Logan Reed of Galion Ohio; and twelve great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Phil is preceded in death by two sisters, Katherine Turner and Cynthia Shaffer; son, Larry McKinstry; and stepson-in-law, Allen Miller.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022 in the Iberia Cemetery, Iberia, Ohio. Calling hours will not be observed.
Memorial contributions may be made to Avita Home Health & Hospice of Galion.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.masfh.com
The Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home, 303 Portland Way North, Galion Ohio is honored to serve the family of Phillip S. McKinstry.
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