Elton L. (Verne) Philo of Mt. Pleasant died Tuesday, December 1, 2015.  He was born in Union Township, the son of the late Harley G. Philo and Helen E. Lethorn Philo. He married Ina Mae Racer on July 4th 1942. Ina Mae preceded him in death on March 17, 2015. They were married at the First Church of Christ parsonage in Mt. Pleasant. Verne spent most of his life working with the public, first, in the grocery business, starting with Kluges Market on North Main Street in 1940 after graduating from Mt. Pleasant high school. He then joined the Giant supermarket in 1941 which was located at the old Campbell building on North Main Street. From there he was promoted to manager in the Alma store in the old Armory building. In February of 1943, he left and served his country for three years in the U.S army serving 14 months in the Philippines. Upon his return from World War II, he worked for Giant Super markets as manager of the Alma, Mt. Pleasant and Midland stores. He and his brother, Bob, bought the IGA store on Broadway Street in Mt. Pleasant and later the Shepherd IGA where he stayed until 1967. Verne joined the Shepherd State Bank that year and remained there until 1986, retiring as Vice President and secretary of the board of directors.

Verne and Ina Mae traveled the United States and Canada on their motorcycle visiting 40 states and 4 provinces of Canada. They spent 22 years in Florida during the winter.

To this union were born their two children, Mark D. Philo and spouse Louann, Debra L. Derry and spouse Wyn.  Grandchildren Jeana Philo Bechtel and spouse Trevor.  Kyle P. Derry, Amanda Bowers, Sarah Derry Prince and spouse Staff Sargent Daniel and Erica Brown.  Great grandchildren, Brantley M. Bechtel, Jordan T. Bechtel and Colt B. Prince.

Verne enjoyed raising roses and spent many hours gardening and taking care of them. He also loved playing golf which he and Ina Mae spent many trips traveling back and forth across the country picking new golf courses to play.

Verne was a Rotarian for many years and a life member of the Masonic Lodge in Shepherd and Alma. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Shepherd and served on the village council. Verne and Ina Mae

Volunteered for over 25 years on the Shepherd Maple Syrup committee.

Verne and Ina Mae spent their last 2 years living in the loving community at Crestwood Assisted  Living, where they had many friends and staff they considered their family.

Preceeding him in death in March of 2015, was his loving wife of 72 years, Ina Mae (Racer) Philo, brother Robert Philo (1986) and his parents Harley G. Philo (1989) and Helen L. Philo (1999).

Memorial Services will be held from the First Church, 1610 E. Broadway Street on Monday, December 7, 2015 11 a.m. with Mr. Jason Wilson officiating with a luncheon immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall at the church.  Family and friends will gather on Sunday, December 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Rowley Funeral Home. 

Verne suggested memorial contributions be made to Rock Lake Christian Assembly for youth campers.  Envelopes are available at the funeral home and the church.