H. Phil McKibans, 85, New Bremen, died at 1:28 a.m. June 18, 2012, at his residence.

He was born March 28, 1927, in Akron, to Howard and Lillian Trottman McKibans. His stepfather was Lawrence Loving. On May 14, 1949, he married Dorothy E. Milroy, who survives in New Bremen.

Also surviving are a daughter, Deborah (Gary) Schrolucke, New Knoxville; two sons, Timothy (Lois) McKibans, Atlanta, Ga., and Thomas McKibans, Wellington, Fla.; four grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and a niece who was raised as his sister, Jeannie (Church) Knutson of Arizona.

Preceding him in death was a sister, Violet M. Gilmore.

He was a graduate of John R. Buchtel High School in Akron and attended the University of Akron and the Hammel-Actual Business College. He was a member of Faith Alliance Church, New Bremen, the Free and Accepted Masons and a member of the American Legion Post 444 of New Knoxville. From 1945-1947, he served in the infantry with the U.S. Army in Germany during the war trials. He also served temporary duty as the first trumpeter in the Billy Roses USO troop, entertaining the troops overseas. He retired in 1987 from the Goodyear plant in St. Marys.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Sager officiating. Burial will follow in Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and 9:30 a.m. until services Thursday at the church.
  Contributions may be made to the Grand Lake Hospice or to the church memorial fund.

Condolences may be left at gilberghartwigfh.com.