Philip Jay Pearson

He was born June 28, 1942, in Kokomo, Indiana. He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1960. Immediately following graduation, he joined the Navy at age 17, with his mother's signature of approval. After serving three years with the Navy, Phil returned to Kokomo to marry his high school sweetheart Millie Pressey, whom he was married to for fifty-nine years.

Phil worked at Chrysler for thirty years as a skilled laborer, retiring in 2001. He was a member of Local 685 UAW and past Master with the Masons, Lodge 363. Phil had a great love of horses; they brought him much joy! He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He raced horses for ten years.

After retiring, Phil and Millie moved to Florida, where they spent their days enjoying the sunshine, boating on the Gulf of Mexico and meeting new friends. They developed the love to travel taking a total of twenty-four cruises, two of which were Riverboat cruises in Germany. Alaska was their favorite cruise.

On Sept. 28, 2019, Phil had the honor of traveling to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Collier-Lee Honor Flight for Veterans. He was so honored to have had this opportunity.

Phil leaves behind his wife, Millie Pearson of Kokomo; son, Troy Pearson, of Midland, Texas; daughter, Theresa Drake and her husband Tim of Lockport, Illinois; grandson, Nicholas Drake of Chicago, Illinois; granddaughter, Mallory Sealy and husband Nick of Hoffman Estate, Illinois. In addition, one sister, Janet Smith of Russiaville, Indiana; brothers-in-law, Bob Pressey and wife Lil of West Middleton Indiana, Harry Pressey and wife Vera, of Bradenton, Florida; sisters-in-law, Judy Pearson and Janie Pearson. Phil also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Bernice Pearson; two brothers, Ross "Bud" Pearson and Neal Pearson; and brother-in-law, Jim Smith.

The family knows it takes a special group of people to care for a loved one with dementia and would like to thank the Primrose Staff for the great care that Phil received. The family will be eternally grateful for their love and care. The family would also like to thank the great Hospice staff from Elara Caring, Cathy May, Jennifer Hayden, Pepper Stephens and Richard Olson.

To honor Phil's wishes there will be no services. A celebration of Phil's life will be held at a later date.

Neptune Society is in charge of cremation arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/indianapolis-cremation for the Pearson family.