Phillip Donovan Elliott

Phillip Donovan Elliott, 88, of Avon, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 in Naples, Fla., surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on Nov. 20, 1927 in Fillmore to the late Harry and Minnie Elliott.

He attended grade school in Groveland and middle and high school in Bainbridge where he excelled both academically and athletically graduating in 1946. He started for the Pointers basketball team that won a sectional title in 1944 and was one free throw from a semi-state berth that same year.

On April 29, 1946, he married Naomi Jane Baker and entered the Navy shortly thereafter, serving in Chicago, Memphis and Seattle.

He returned to Greencastle area upon his discharge and went to work for Allison's in Indianapolis.

In 1953, he started his 36-year career with IBM in Greencastle which eventually took him to New York area where he worked in IBM World Trade traveling around the globe visiting more than 50 countries and every continent except Antarctica. He and his wife, Jane, moved back to Avon upon his retirement in 1989.

P.D., as he was affectionately known, was also involved in the community, particularly with the Greencastle Junior Chamber of Commerce where he worked with long-time friend Al Stanley and other Chamber members to spearhead the planning and building of the first community pool at Robe-Ann Park.

P.D. played sports throughout his life, even competing with his sons on basketball and softball teams into his 50s. He loved outdoor sports and fished in Alaska, Canada, Mexico and Argentina, and hunted throughout the U.S.

In retirement, he became an avid bridge player, participating in tournaments with his wife.

Phil is remembered for his joy of life, gentle nature and love of family.

Phil was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Jane and his brother, David.

He is survived by his children, Rebecca of Avon, Steve and his wife, Gerri of La Quinta, Calif., Andrea of Mebane, N.C., and Mark and his wife, Janet of Naples, Fla.; adopted son Reed Farley of Lexington, Ky.; grandchildren Jennifer, Jeffrey, Robert, Scott and Jessica; great-grandchildren Lilly, William, Grady, Austin, Owen and Emory; sister Dean Wiggin of Danville; brother Harry and his wife, Sandra of Katy, Texas; and sister-in-law, Madonna of Bainbridge.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20 at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home, Greencastle, with Rev. Mindy Huffman officiating. Interment will follow at Brick Chapel Cemetery. A reception at the Bainbridge Community Center will follow burial.

The family will receive friends from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, March 19 at the funeral home.

Memorials in Phil's memory may be made to the Bainbridge High Alumni Scholarship Fund at 2 S. Jackson St., Greencastle IN 46135.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.