CONTINENTAL – John Philip “Phil” Fitzwater, 76, of Continental died 12:36 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2020 at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. He was born July 4, 1944 in Paulding County to the late Walter and Evalena (Sharp) Fitzwater. On December 29, 1962 he married JoAnn Robinson, she survives in Continental.
He is also survived by his sons: Lynn (Norma) Fitzwater, Jeff (Monica) Fitzwater, Eric (Tina) Fitzwater and Shane (Michelle) Fitzwater, all of Continental; his grandchildren: Chelsie (Gary) Powell, Jennifer Fitzwater, Michael Fitzwater, Cole (Megan) Fitzwater, Katie (Jordan) Marbaugh, CarrieJo (Bryan) Verhoff, Sydnie (Tyler Curtis) Fitzwater, Erica (Evan) Prowant, Paige Fitzwater, Brystol Fitzwater and Brady Fitzwater; step-grandchildren: Brittany (Lee Schultheis) Paxton, Brandon (Theresa) Paxton; great-grandchildren: Carter and Camdyn Powell, Rhamsie Parrish, Pace and Lane Fitzwater, Harper Marbaugh, Jace and Kendall Verhoff, Delaney Prowant with two more on-the-way; step-great-grandchildren: Kaydence Kunsman, Gabe and Damien Brinner, and Kali Paxton; sisters: Linda (Michael) Shaffer of Defiance, Jo (Nick) Doster of Continental; brother-in-law: Kenny (Judy) Robinson of Paulding; and two good friends and bonus sons: Ryan Ordway and Paul Herr, both of Continental.
He is preceded in death by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Tom (Rita) Robinson; two great-granddaughters: Rheese and Rhylie Parrish.
Phil was a lifelong farmer. He never knew a stranger and could always be recognized in a crowd by his hearty laugh. Phil was a 1962 graduate of Continental High School. He was a member of USTA Harness Horseman Association and owned horses. He was a proud supporter of R3 Motor Sports. He enjoyed racing of all kinds, but was especially fond of harness racing and tractor pulls.
He attended Junction Bible Christian Church, Junction. Phil was very supportive his of grandkids and all of their activities and loved getting together with family and friends. He enjoyed trips to the Amish Country.
There will be private service for Phil, with burial in Monroe Cemetery, Continental. The family will hold a public celebration of life at a later date.
Instead of sending flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, Continental Baseball and Softball Club: 204 W. Park Street Continental, OH 45831 or the Harness Horseman Youth Foundation: 2711 Friar Truck Road Anderson, IN 46013.
