Philip S. MacLaine III

Philip Sheridan MacLaine III, 66, of Zanesville, passed away surrounded by his family on July 28, 2025, at the Genesis Hospice Morrison House after a courageous battle with cancer. Born January 19, 1959, in Zanesville, he was the son of the late Philip S. MacLaine Jr. and Patricia A. (McCormick) MacLaine.

From a young age, Phil had a strong work ethic, delivering newspapers on a route around Dietz Lane and working a summer job during college at the Ohio Ferro Alloy. He went on to dedicate 34 years to education at Zanesville City School District. He spent 24 years as a Special Education teacher at Roosevelt Junior High, followed by 10 years as a Physical Education teacher at Westview, National Road, Zane Grey, and Wilson Elementary schools. After retiring from ZCS in 2015, he continued to make an impact as a substitute teacher in the West Muskingum Local School District, where he particularly enjoyed working with high school students. In recognition of his service, he was honored with the OHSAA State Award and the WMHS Honorary Chapter FFA Degree this past spring.

Phil was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Philo High School, class of 1977. A gifted athlete, he played basketball, baseball, and football. He continued his baseball career at West Liberty University as a standout pitcher. He made countless cherished memories during his college years and remained close with his West Liberty friends and fraternity brothers, often returning for Homecoming weekends.

Phil's love for baseball was consistent throughout his childhood and as an adult. He played on several competitive teams over the years, including the Zanesville Babe Ruth League American All-Stars, the Ohio Youth League Championship team, the Zanesville American Legion team, and the Junior and Senior Pioneers. His passion and talent for the sport were honored with his induction into the Muskingum County Old-Timers Association Hall of Fame in 2021.

He also left a legacy in the coaching world, beginning in the early 1980s as a track and assistant football coach at Roosevelt Junior High, Junior Varsity and Assistant Varsity baseball coach, and an assistant varsity football coach at Zanesville High School in the 80s and 90s. Later, in the early 2000s he treasured his years coaching in the West Muskingum Youth League-especially coaching his daughters in softball-and served as an assistant coach for the West Muskingum High School softball team in 2016 and 2017. He never missed an opportunity to practice in the yard or be a steady presence on the sidelines at his girls' sporting events. Whether coaching, teaching, or watching from the stands, he was always passionate about sports.

Phil enjoyed the simple pleasures: a day in the woods at the family homestead, enjoying time with friends around the fire, a quiet day fishing (and is surely casting a line in heaven now with his buddies Jeff and Festus), and attending local sporting events; Friday nights in the fall were reserved for football. He was the kind of man who always made time for the people he loved-whether it was family, friends, students, or former players.

Above all, he cherished time with his family- his wife, daughters, and especially his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. He is survived by his wife Julie (Baldwin) MacLaine whom he shared 36 wonderful years of marriage, and found his greatest joy in being "Dad" to his daughters, Kasey (Will) Lenhart and Ally (Chase) Himmelspach, and "Papa Phil" to his grandchildren: Jase and Mac Lenhart, and Piper Himmelspach all of Zanesville. He also leaves behind his sisters, Linda (Dave) Cole of St. Louis, MO, and Beth (Tom) Lianez of Columbus, OH, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew Andrew Cole, father-in-law Bernie Baldwin, and mother-in-law Betty Baldwin.

Phil's impact on the lives of his students, players, and loved ones is immeasurable. He will be remembered for his generosity, strength, and unwavering dedication to family and community.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, and from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, August 1, with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m., at Farus Funeral Home (383 Main St, Duncan Falls, OH 43734). Pastor Tim Patton will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Phil's name to the West Muskingum Athletic Boosters at P.O. Box 653, Zanesville, Ohio.

www.farusfh.com