Neil E. Phillippe

Neil Edward Phillippe, 70, of Plainfield, IN, passed away April 20, 2022. He was born at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN on May 20, 1951 to the late Barbara and William Phillippe. Neil is survived by his loving children Eric (Veronica), Brandy York (Charlie), Doban (Jamie) and Logan (Jennifer) as well as his former wife and friend, Valerie. He is also survived by his sisters Deborah Lanier (Michael) and Patricia Brand (Dale). Neil had 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren that he deeply loved. He is preceded in death by his parents Barbara and William Phillippe and grandchildren Shawnee Noel York and Eric Gideon York.

Neil was a 1969 graduate of Warren Central High School and spent the majority of his career in maintenance engineering until discovering a love for teaching. His latter years were spent teaching construction arts at the New Castle Correctional Facility until he retired. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years and loved passing on his knowledge to others. He was a certified Scuba diver and passed along that interest to his family. He was the co-owner of a dive shop in Franklin, IN in the early 80’s. Neil loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time camping, hunting and anything else that would give him an excuse to be outside.

Neil was an avid buckskinner and was a member of the Blue River Long Rifle club. He took great joy in passing along his knowledge and love of the 1850’s settler era to others. He earned the camp name “Poof” during one of his many escapades. He loved cooking over an open fire and fed many people over the years with his cast iron dishes. He used his expertise in history to do urban outreach to children in the early 2000’s. He enjoyed playing Santa Clause for a number of years. He made an impact on everyone that he came across.

Family was everything to Neil, especially in his later years as his health began to fail. His greatest joy in life was to sit among his children and grandchildren as they came together during the holidays and special family events. He passed that loved of family onto his children. Neil took pride in all of his children and grandchildren and loved to tell other people how proud he was of them. He will be forever missed by his family.

Memorial services will be held at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East Funeral Center, 10612 East Washington St in Indianapolis, IN 46229 at 3:00 pm on Monday, April 25, 2022. There will be a visitation on Monday from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm prior to the memorial service.