Phillip DeKalb, 74, of Sandoval, passed away at his home on Sunday, June 9, 2024, surrounded by his family.
He was born on February 11, 1950, to Robert R. and Hilda DeKalb in Centralia, Illinois. On August 11, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Miller and they had two children, Jennifer and Michael. Sharon preceded him in death on Jan 26, 2008. On June 16, 2016, he married Linda Beckmann and she survives in Sandoval.
Also surviving is his daughter, Jennifer Kennedy, of Findlay, Ohio; son, Michael (Charlene) DeKalb of Baldwin Park, California; brothers, Chris (Susan) DeKalb of Yorkville, Illinois, Gary (Patty) DeKalb of Wentzville, Missouri, and Danny (Lori) DeKalb of Norman, Oklahoma; sisters, Stephanie McManaman, of Sandoval, Illinois and Robbyn (Scott) Stocking of Irvington, Illinois; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Paulette and Monte Kerley, Joseph Beckmann, Jennifer and Richard Jones and Neil and Julie Beckmann, all of Waltonville, Illinois, Teresa and Robin Goatey of Sandoval, Illinois and Mark and Sherran Beckmann of Texas; granddaughters, Kayla Kennedy and partner Jake Webb and Megan (Matte) Blair; great-granddaughter, Emogene Blair; several nephews and nieces; special niece, Kate Stocking who helped care for him; and special neighbors, Ruth and Michael Johnston.
Mr. DeKalb was preceded in death by his first wife, parents and a niece, Ellen Lynn Ann Stocking.
Phil was a career US Navy Veteran. He left Sandoval right out of high school in 1968 to join the US Navy with Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. During his time in the Navy, he served 4 tours in Vietnam and was an instructor at Great Lakes Naval Station, and achieved the ranking of Chief Petty Officer. Phil enjoyed his time serving his country traveling to many places and residing in multiple states. His first ship deployment was the USS Rowan, along with many other ships and finally the USS Worden being his last. He served his country for 25 years with his retirement being in June 1993. After his retirement from the military, he worked several places including Consolidated Exchange delivering feed, etc. to various local farmers. During harvest he worked for Dan Siedel Farms hauling grain and driving the tractor. His final job leading up to his stay at home was South Central Transit where he enjoyed delivering meals on wheels to the elderly. When he finally decided to relax and take it easy he bought his own John Deere tractor and would spend many hours on it.
Phil was a huge car enthusiast. He knew every dealership in the area as well as parts managers. You could find him driving around looking for his next vehicle at any given time. This was his favorite past time and relaxation especially on rainy Sunday afternoons. He also loved shopping for cars and mowing with his John Deere Tractor.
Funeral Services for Phillip DeKalb will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Minister Janis Burns officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Funeral Home. In memory of Phillip, memorial donations may be made to Sandoval Fire Department, or Six Lemons, or to Centralia Humane Society and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the DeKalb family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.
