It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Phillip A. Pearson, a hardworking husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, historian, and friend whose life was defined by service to his family, his community, and his country. Phil, 87, of Sheridan, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on July 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Phillip was born on August 21, 1938, in Boxley, Indiana, to Ross and Berneice Pearson. From an early age, Phil understood the value of hard work, responsibility, and service to others. He was honest, outspoken, and never afraid to tell you exactly what he thought. Growing up in a rural community, and later helping his parents on their farm, taught him the importance of dedication and perseverance—qualities that defined the way he lived his life.

A 1956 graduate of Sheridan High School, Phil dedicated an extraordinary 47 years of his life to Chrysler as a skilled tradesman in machine repair. Phil also proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963, where he was stationed in Fürth, Germany, as part of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Retirement afforded Phil the opportunity to devote more time to Sheridan First United Methodist Church and his Christian faith.

He loved collecting Abraham Lincoln books and memorabilia, hunting for Coca-Cola treasures, and sharing stories of Sheridan's history, often passing along what he knew to anyone willing to listen.

Alongside his wife, Connie, Phil enjoyed many years as a member of the Hoosier Chapter of Coca-Cola collectors.

Phil was also a lifelong and devoted Indiana University basketball fan.

At the center of Phil's life was his family. He shared an enduring marriage of 66 years with his wife, Connie. Together they raised four children: Jeanna Marie (Rex Nesbitt) Pearson, Susan Renee (Michael) Graham, Martin Allen Pearson, and Julia Anne (Dylan) Neff. His grandchildren —Chase A. (Chelsi) Hawley, Chad A. Hawley, Paige N. (Jared) Popejoy, Nick Childers, Jada Neff, and Phoenix Neff—brought him great pride, as did his great-grandchildren Bentley, Bayleigh, Keira, Dutton, and Atlys.

Phil is also survived by his brother, John (Linda) Pearson, and his sister-in-law, Lucinda Pearson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross D. Pearson and Alma Berneice (Singleton) Pearson, and his brother, Larry Joe Pearson.

Family and friends are invited to honor Phil's memory during visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Sheridan First United Methodist Church, 207 East 2nd Street, Sheridan, Indiana. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with burial at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sheridan First United Methodist Church, Sheridan Historical Society, 315 South Main Street, Sheridan, Indiana 46069, or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Everyone is invited to sign the online guestbook, leave a condolence, or share a memory at fiaherfamilyfunerals.com.