Phillip A. “Phil” DeBolt, 88 of Decatur, Indiana passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Adams Woodcrest.
He was born January 1, 1938, in Adams County, Indiana to the late Chalmer H. DeBolt and Ruth I. (Macklin) DeBolt.
Phillip was united in marriage to Evelyn L. “Evie” (Oetting) DeBolt on January 30, 1959, at St. John Lutheran Church-Bingen.
Phil proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, later continuing his unwavering commitment to service through the 122nd Tactical Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard. He earned his honorable discharge, having attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9), concluding an impressive 39 years of combined military and civilian service with the United States Department of Defense.
A man of deep faith and civic pride, Phil was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church-Bingen, where he served in various capacities and held many church offices. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post #43 in Decatur and was a privileged participant of the NE Indiana Honor Flight to Washington DC.
Above all else, Phil was a devoted family man who cherished keeping up with the many activities of his children and grandchildren. Known for his passion for storytelling, he possessed a uniquely inquisitive nature, always thoughtfully asking about the people around him to find a meaningful connection to his own life’s journey. Phil looked at the world with a gentle humility, constantly seeking ways to make the lives of others better. His never-ending patriotism was on daily display, with the American flag flying proudly at his home.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Evie DeBolt of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Linda (Robert) Glusenkamp of Charlotte, North Carolina; daughter Tamara DeBolt of Birmingham, Alabama; son, David (Susan) DeBolt of Columbus, Indiana; daughter, COL. (ret) Debra (James) Chappel of Schertz, Texas; son, Thomas (Misty) DeBolt of Decatur, Indiana; Grandchildren: Rachel (Reid) Beaver, Erin (Jon) Martinson, Megan (Garret) Russell, Allison DeBolt, Hannah Chappel, Macey Chappel, Phillip Cooper Chappel, Hunter (Matthew) Neeley, Jorden (Nate) Kaczmarek, and Hayden DeBolt; Great-grandchildren: Jack Beaver, Amelia Martinson, Liam Beaver, Lily Beaver, Adaline Chappel, Layla Neeley, and Jackson Chappel.
He is also survived by brother-in-law Elroy Haugk of Pinellas Park, Florida, as well as Evie’s family, sister-in-law, Dorothy Williams of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Oetting of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Phil was preceded in death by his sister, Alyce A. Haugk.
Funeral services for Phil will be held at 10:30 am on Monday June 29, 2026 St. John Lutheran Church-Bingen, with Pastor Peter Brock and Pastor Berett Steffen officiating. Military graveside honor will be rendered by the United States Air Force in conjunction with the American Legion Post #43 Color Guard.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday June 28, 2026 from 1:00-2:00 pm at the Woodcrest Porter Auditorium and from 3:30 to 7:00 pm at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, IN and from 9:15 to 10:15 am on Monday at the church prior to the service.
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