Philip Lynn “Phil” Sarver, age 78, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at his home.
Phil was born on July 20, 1948, in Herrick, Illinois, the son of Charles and Virginia Sarver. He grew up in Herrick, where he attended grade school, and later graduated from Beecher City High School. Phil continued his education at Kaskaskia College, where he met the love of his life, Elva Felchlia. He later attended Illinois State University.
On August 3, 1969, Phil and Elva were united in marriage at Central City United Methodist Church in Central City, Illinois. Together, they built a life centered around family and raised three children.
Phil was a hardworking man who enjoyed staying busy and took pride in the many different careers he pursued throughout his life. While attending college, he began working for Murray Shoes, which marked the beginning of his longtime involvement in shoe sales. He also spent time selling pianos and organs for Wisniewski Music before beginning a 20-year career as a journeyman lithographer at World Color Press. Phil’s varied professional experiences also included working as a realtor.
Never one to sit still, Phil was always willing to take on new opportunities and challenges. Throughout the years, he demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new things. Above all, his family remained an important part of his life, and the memories shared with his children and grandchildren will be cherished.
In addition to his wife, Phil is survived by his three children, Stacy (Matt) Taylor of Owensboro, Kentucky, Scott Sarver and companion Tiffany Taylor of Bloomington, Illinois, and Ryan (Lauren) Sarver of Greenwood, Indiana; six grandchildren, Rachel (Ben) Dame, Jon (Leah) Taylor, Olivia Taylor, Emily Taylor, Avery Sarver, and Owen Sarver; and one great-granddaughter, Matilda Dame.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Sarver; mother, Virginia Schroeder; stepfather, Ernest Schroeder; brother, Gary Sarver; and one granddaughter, Madelyn Taylor.
Funeral services for Phil Sarver will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Salem, Illinois, with Doug Junkins officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Central City, Illinois. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the church and continuing until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sleep in Heavenly Peace—Salem, Illinois Chapter and will be accepted at the church or through Crouse Funeral Home in Salem, Illinois.
Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
