Phillip R. "Phil" Riter

FUNERAL HOME

Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home & Crematory - Bryan Chapel

206 N Lynn St

Bryan, Ohio

Phillip Riter Obituary

Name: Visitation for Phillip R. "Phil" Riter
Start: 2024-06-27T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-06-27T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Bryan

Phillip R. "Phil" Riter, 81, of Stryker, Ohio, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Phil was born Feb. 7, 1943, in Bryan, Ohio, son of the late Calvin and Luella (Clark) Riter. He was a 1961 graduate of Stryker High School. Phil served in the Army National Guard as military police. He married DeAnn A. Gavette on Feb. 5, 1965, in Stryker, Ohio. Phil's love of flying was inherited from his father and uncles. His first job was working at Defiance Airport as a mechanic. He then worked for his uncle at Riter Body Shop, Bryan. Phil was a co-owner of Styker Welding for 20 years. He then became co-owner of Advantage Powder Coating for three years, until his retirement in 1995. Along with working, Phil was very active in numerous aircraft associations including Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 816, Bryan, Ohio (former president), Vintage Aircraft Association Chapter 37, Auburn, Indiana (former president), Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1665, Kendallville, Indiana (founding charter member), Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 149, Wauseon, Ohio. Phil served as crew chief for 20 years on the Experimental Aircraft Association B17 Aluminum Overcast- toured the country giving rides at special events. He was a founder and previously served as president of the Tiffin River Scenic and Historic Association. Phil's love of flying took him with his own aircraft to two trips to Alaska (1 month stay each trip). Flying has taken him to every U.S. State (except Hawaii), all the providences of Canada, Newfoundland and the Bahamas on to Turks and Caicos Island. Along with his wife, DeAnn, took nearly 40 years of trips with a group from all over the country named 70 Knotters. His greatest love was Barn Storming and Hayfield Trips. He was awarded a Challenge Coin by General Robin Rand (commander of the Global Strike Force). One of his favorite trips was in 2016 when he was able to visit Cape Canaveral and obtained total security clearance to tour the vehicle assembly building. Phil's love of flying, including restoring and flying antique aircraft, took him on many adventures and built relationships that lasted a lifetime.

Surviving is his wife, DeAnn Riter of Stryker, Ohio; son, Michael Riter of Styker, Ohio; two grandsons, Derek Riter and Jeremy Riter; three great-granddaughters, Adrianna, Hailey and McKenzie. Phil was preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott Riter; grandson, Daniel Riter.

Visitation for Phil will be held Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 4–7 p.m. at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 N. Lynn St., Bryan, Ohio.

Memorial contributions can be directed to American Cancer Society- Hope Lodge of Cleveland.

Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Bryan Times on Jun. 21, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Riter

5 Entries

Mark Gaerte & Family

June 27, 2024

I got the blessing of a lifetime getting to know Phil over the last 20 years. Phil has bestowed much aviation, business and life wisdom to me over that time. His willingness to take time to teach many of the skills I've needed to know in my profession has allowed me to make a living, for that I am grateful. I know he has given his time and talents to many others in aviation as well, making him a great ambassador for the general aviation and antique aircraft community. KDFI sure won't be the same without him. Phil was a great mentor, thanks for sharing him with us DeAnn.

David

June 26, 2024

I have so many wonderful memories of Phil. He was there in the early days of my introduction to flying. I so looked forward to the EAA monthly meetings. As much as I learned at the meetings I think I learned even more from Phil and the other 70knotters as we gathered for beer and pizza afterwards. Equally enjoyable were the years of sitting under the wing at the various fly-ins as he and Dee were such gracious and generous hosts. Will sure miss him but always be grateful for the times we shared and the things he taught me.

Lori Loftus

June 22, 2024

My sincere condolences for my aunt DeAnn and cousin Michael and family.
A photo of a photo at their home a year ago while visiting. My great grandfather and DeAnn`s grandfather, "Pappy" Floyd Bowren, with Uncle Phil, Scott and Michael. Year?
I will cherish all the memories and times that uncle Phil took me up in all his different planes... Big Red, the Waco that he built, and the little red one with skis that we landed in the snow.
With Love,
Lori in North Carolina

Ron Wise

June 22, 2024

So sorry to hear this. Phil was a great pilot, mechanic, and an amazing fabricator. Have spent hours at his hangar listening to all his stories. He will be greatly missed at the Defiance airport. Clear skies Phil.

Chris

June 22, 2024

Phil was a great mentor and story teller. While building my plane, Phil helped with my complicated metal forming by making me learn while we did it together. He would start it to show me how and then make me do the rest while he supervised. Everytime we were at the airport at the same time, I always loved listening to his stories about his flying adventure to Alaska. He seemed to have a unique story about each and every pin on the map on his wall. He will be greatly missed and I offer my deepest condolences.

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