Phillip Hemminger, Sr

Phillip E. Hemminger, Sr. age 80 years of Niles, Michigan died at 7:23 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on April 12, 1935 in Dowagiac, Michigan to Erie and Louise (Marshall) Hemminger. He was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived here most of his life, including the last fifty years at their home in Howard Township. His entire career was with the former Colip Brothers Electric (now associated with Mead White Electric) in South Bend as its Purchasing Agent.

“Skip” was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the United States Army. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local #153 in South Bend.

On May 12, 1956 in Dowagiac he married the former Helen M. Vanderbutts with whom he celebrated last month the Fifty-ninth anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Helen M. Hemminger and their children, Phillip E. (& Karen) Hemminger of Buchanan, Michigan and Kathleen M. (& Timothy) Winkel of South Bend; grandchildren Mandy Jo Hemminger and Dakota James Hemminger; and Skip’s sister, Joyce Fraizer of Syracuse, Indiana and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, John Michael Hemminger who died on December 20, 2000, and fourteen siblings including Skip’s brother, U.S.Army soldier Jay Hemminger who died on “D-Day” at the Invasion of Normandy.

A gathering to honor Phillip Hemminger, Sr. and share memories will be scheduled in the near future, and will be announced by the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Hemminger may be made to the American Legion Post #26, 104 North Third Street, Niles, Michigan.

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