Phillip Harold Voelker

Phillip Harold Voelker Dowling Phillip Harold Voelker, 78, died at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence on Saturday, January 2, 2010. He was born October 18, 1931 in Battle Creek to Harold P. and Viola E. (Rivenburg) Voelker. Phil graduated from Kellogg Agricultural School in 1949 and then served with the U.S. Air Force four years. After the service he worked as a glazer at Battle Creek Glass Works. He was President of Battle Creek Glass Works, a three generation family business. At one time the company included, Battle Creek Glass Works, Battle Creek Auto Glass, Barney's Glass Service in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, A&D Glass in Coldwater, Moore's Glass in Charlotte and Sturgis Glass in Sturgis. Surviving are Patsy J. (Orphan-Dyer) Voelker, whom he married February 1, 1963 in Hastings; three sons, John Dyer, Thomas (Nora) Dyer and Lenny Dyer, all of Battle Creek; three grandchildren, a brother, Ronald J. Voelker of Battle Creek and a cousin, Mary Jane Voelker of Colorado. Phil was a member of First Congregational Church, a past president of the Bedford Area Lions Club and a former member of the Eagle's. In the 1950's he played on the Battle Creek Glass Company Double A Baseball Team and in the 1970's he managed the Battle Creek Glass Softball Team. Phil was an avid sports fan and over the years Battle Creek Glass Company has sponsored baseball, softball, floor hockey, bowling and numerous local teams. He loved the outdoors, working in his meticulous yard and was an avid fisherman. He especially enjoyed being part of a Bedford Area annual chicken cookout to raise money to provide food and gifts for children at Christmastime. At the request of the family, friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where they will be received 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Thomas J. Ott at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2010. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Binder Park Zoo, Bedford Area Lions Club or the Humane Society. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.