WITTERS, Philip E.
Portage

Age 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 28, 2023. Phil was born in Kalamazoo, MI on June 14, 1944, the son of William R. and Mildred J. (Ryder) Witters. He was a graduate of Portage Central High School, class of 1963. Phil served his country honorably in the United States Army. In his early years, Phil worked in construction and eventually retired from James River Paper Company in 2006 where he was a forklift operator. Phil was an avid bowler and enjoyed collecting and selling antiques. He loved fly fishing and was an active outdoorsman. Each Fall he looked forward to hearing his children and grandchildren’s deer hunting stories. He owned horses throughout his lifetime and enjoyed horseback riding for leisure. Phil was a devout follower of Jesus Christ, and his faith was a source of great comfort. He took pleasure in spreading the word of Christ and instilling his faith in God to his children and grandchildren. He was an Awana Club director and helped bus children to and from church. Phil’s family was the most important aspect of his life, especially his children and grandchildren. He was actively involved in their lives, attending sporting events, teaching them to ride horses, celebrating their achievements, sharing his faith in God and supporting them in anyway he could. His family will miss his sense of humor, the many shared laughs and the quality time they were able to spend with him. On September 13, 1968, he married the former Lila “Sue” Reynolds, who survives. Phil is also survived by his daughters, Marcy (Pat) Wujkowski and Holly Eshlaman-Witters; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, William (Anne) Witters, Sharon (Larry) Downs, Les (Judy) Witters, Marge Holloway, Mike (Bonnie) Witters and Robin (Burke) Doerfer; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mildred Witters; sons, Philip Witters, Jr. and Paul Witters and his brother, Douglas Witters. A graveside service with military honors will take place on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Portage South Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on the same day at 7:00 PM at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home with Pastor David Alderman officiating. Visitation will take place at the funeral home one hour prior to the service, beginning at 6:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Blessing (ob.org), International Fellowship of Jews: Isaiah 58 (https://www.ifcj.org/who-we-are/programs/isaiah-58) or Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org).