Phillip Sheridan Gehm

Phillip Sheridan Gehm, age 91, of Alliance, passed away on January 29, 2024. 

He was born in Alliance on August 28, 1932 to Carl S. and Lotta M. (Hill) Gehm.   

He was a 1950 graduate of Alliance High School. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mount Union College in 1954 with a Bachelor of Music degree and a Bachelor of Music Education degree. 

Gehm served as Choir Director and Organist at Beechwood Methodist Church while attending Mount Union College. He graduated from United Theological Seminary in 1957, with a Master of Divinity. Gehm was ordained in June 1957. Gehm served as Assistant Minister of Grace United Methodist for two years. 

In 1959, he was consecrated a missionary to Nigeria under the Sudan United Mission. Prior to leaving for his missionary assignment, he received special training at Allegheny College. He studied at London University School of Oriental and African studies and York University in Great Britain where he learned to speak Hausa, one of the languages of Nigeria. 

In 1960, Gehm left for Nigeria where he worked with the Mumuye Tribe for three years in the northern most primitive section of the country. After his return in 1963, Gehm lectured throughout the North American continent of his experiences in Africa. He also attended Union Theological Seminary in New York City where he studied sacred music and sacred theology. 

He received his elementary certification from Kent State University in 1965. He began his teaching career in the Marlington School District. He taught there 25 years retiring in June 1989. He also taught piano and organ privately. 

In 1966, he became organist at Union Avenue United Methodist Church in Alliance. In 1989, he was appointed Director of Music at the church as well as organist. He retired after 44 years of service. 

He was active in the following organizations: Alliance Kiwanis Club, Alliance Music Study Club, MU PHI EPSILON (International Music Fraternity), Alliance Area Retired Teachers Association, Stark County Retired Teachers Association, Ohio Education Association, National Education Association, Alliance Area Republican Club, Alliance Area Community Concert Association, American Guild of Organists, Alliance Symphony Orchestra, Carnation City Players, Alliance Historical Society, and the Sebring Historical Society. 

He is survived by his niece, Diana L. Hammer of Mansfield, OH; his sister-in-law, Mrs. Charles (Judy York) Gehm of Connecticut; and numerous great nieces and great nephews. He is also survived by his beloved friends, Brian Scott Bara, Craig Stephen Bara, and Dave Jack Bethune. 

A funeral service will be held at Union Avenue United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 10th at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Uniontown. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union Avenue United Methodist Church, 1843 S Union Ave, Alliance, OH 44601.