Philip K. Carder, 85, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois.
Phil was born on November 1, 1940, in West Milford, West Virginia, the son of W. Ray Carder and Mary Jane (Allman) Carder. He married Carolyn Chandler on October 26, 1963, in Winchester, Virginia.
Phil was a proud graduate of Unidis High School, Class of 1958. He was a professional truck driver and a proud member of the Teamsters, dedicating more than 30 years to hauling freight throughout the 48 contiguous states.
Phil’s passion for life extended well beyond his career. He enjoyed shooting sporting clays, cheering on the West Virginia Mountaineers and the St. Louis Cardinals, meeting friends for breakfast, and tracing his family’s roots through genealogy, preserving a rich family history for future generations.
He was known as a man who could repair just about anything, from diesel engines to lawn equipment. Above all, he treasured time with his family, often driving hundreds of miles to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, musical performances, and academic activities.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carolyn Carder of Centralia, Illinois; his daughter, Jackie Bretsch (Jeff) of St. Charles, Missouri; his son, Brad Carder (Kimberly) of Aldie, Virginia; his cherished grandchildren, Kyle Bretsch (fiancée Gen), Jenae Mason (Spencer), Jordan Carder, and Noah Carder; his great-grandchildren, Maryclaire Mason and Theo Mason; his bonus great-grandchildren, Lucy Nelson and Charlie Nelson; his brother, Ronald Carder of Centralia, Illinois; his brother-in-law, Bill Chandler (Pat) of Crestview, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mary Jane Carder; his sister, Betty Sue Filicsky; his brother-in-law, Orville Chandler Jr.; and his sister-in-law, Helen Stutler.
Visitation will be held in Phil’s honor on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children’s, reflecting Philip’s generous spirit and compassion for others. Donations will be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the funeral home’s Facebook page.
A second visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at New Bethel United Methodist Church in Good Hope, West Virginia, immediately followed by the funeral service.
Phil will be laid to rest at Good Hope Masonic Cemetery in Good Hope, West Virginia, near his childhood home. Phil will be remembered for his generous spirit, strong work ethic and unwavering love for his family.
