Frank Keith Phillippe

Frank Keith Phillippe, a quiet man fondly known for his unrelenting sense of humor and resilience of spirit, passed away on September 25, 2023, in the same place he was born 79 years earlier, Vincennes, IN. His journey began on September 4, 1944, and much of his youth was spent working on the family farm. His father started him on the tractor at the tender age of 9, and young Frank ended up all over the road trying to navigate it back home! Farming undoubtedly shaped his approach to life, both in his tenacious work ethic and in his appreciation for the outdoors. As he grew older, he also developed a passion for playing football but selflessly dropped out of high school to help his family out in the fields. That same generosity of spirit enabled him to join the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving his country as a heavy artillery mechanic.
Following his military service, Frank's mechanical skills helped him to find work with various area employers. Starting with Musgrave's Car Lot at Gordon Junction, his creatively mechanical mind was also an asset to Adams-Meyer, Miller Construction, and Riley Equipment, where he would retire as a trusted maintenance mechanic. Throughout his career, he continued working in the fields part-time as a capable farm hand for a few local farmers.
An introvert at heart, Frank found fulfillment in the tranquil quietude of the woods while hunting squirrels, coons, and deer. His love of fishing was also notable, and he cherished the occasional trip to Colorado, where he would fish for trout while surrounded by the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Back home, he could almost always be found outside, be that on his lawn mower or in his meticulously maintained garden, which bore some of the most delicious produce you'd have the good fortune to enjoy! It wasn't just plants he nurtured, as he was known to overfeed his beloved wiener dog, Bella, and Yorkiepoo, Lily.
Though he wasn't one to talk much, when he did open his mouth, you were never too sure what would come out of it! His unpredictable yarns and anecdotes were as familiar to his loved ones as his dedication to helping others, often in innovative ways that showcased his problem-solving skills. But that was just Frank, making the most of what he had to work with. As we reflect on the fullness of his 79 years with us, may we always be reminded that life is what you make it. Thank you, Frank, for making yours a good one!
He is survived by his children, Laura Phillippe, Jeff Phillippe, Tamara Dompe, and Angela Ferguson; by five grandchildren, Whitney, Savanah, Maddelyn, Jacob, and Katelynn; by his great-grandchildren, Hayden, Raelynn, Evelyn, and Larson Keith; by his brother & sister-in-law, Gary Dean & Debbie Phillippe; by his sister, Ada Correll; by his sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Phyllis & Mike McCammon; by his brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Brian & Marsha Rich; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He married Pamela Jo Rich on August 1, 1969, and she preceded him in death on May 20, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Frank J. & Freda Maxine (Felton) Phillippe, and his daughter-in-law, Robin Phillippe.
A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30th, at Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation and be held at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor J.D. Branson officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Army, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "VFW Transportation Fund", with envelopes available at the funeral home.