Gary Lee Phillips, age 71 of New Carlisle passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 20, 2026, He was born in Dayton on February 10, 1955, the son of Harry Lee & Mildred (Lay) Phillips. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and worked at the Springfield Air National Guard Base for over 30 years in the Precision Measurement Electronic Laboratory. He was a talented musician that could play several instruments, especially the guitar. He has a strong faith and he loved the Lord.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Tonya M. Phillips; daughters Jessica (Dal) Turner and Jeanette Phillips; grandchildren Kayla Abigail (Dacoda Ange) Turner, Cole Dominic (Chasity) Turner, Chloe Elise Turner, Joseph Michael Eugene “Joey” Marano and Austin Lee Blake Marano; great granddaughters Ayla Lee Grace Marano and Cecelia Daisey Turner; sister Judy Gail (David) Deeter and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the ZERKLE FUNERAL HOME, 11900 N. Dixie Dr., Tipp City. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Roland Albert officiating. A burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, Tipp City. Condolences may be sent to the family through this online guestbook.