Philip J. Yarnelle

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Philip Joseph Yarnelle, after a long battle with Esophageal Cancer, he passed away peacefully at home. He is a beloved husband, father, Pop Pop, son, brother, uncle and friend, who left us on August 12, 2025, at the age of 65, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 11, 1960, in Fort Wayne, IN, to James "Port" Yarnelle and Judy (Kramer) Yarnelle. Phil went to Saint Vincent DePaul Catholic School, Dwenger High School and graduated from Northrop High School. On September 10, 1983, Philip married the love of his life, Marla Sue (Leffers) Yarnelle. He was a member of the St. John Bosco Catholic Church. Phil was a faith-filled man of God, who deeply trusted God's promises and plans, even when faced with challenges. Phil was known for his dedication and hard work as a Maintenance Supervisor at Lassus Brothers Oil, for 41 years, a role that fit his talent for fixing things and keeping everything up and running smoothly. He was a proud father to two wonderful daughters, Gina Gater and Andrea Burnworth, and was always there to share a laugh or offer advice. He loved the Green Bay Packers Football, hunting, bow shooting, NASCAR, trapping, working on his trucks, enjoyed the woods and feeding the birds. Phil had a zest for living life, he enjoyed all the sporting events, watching his kids and grandkids and spending time with them. He was a people person who loved both his family and work family and seemed to make friends everywhere he went. His favorite saying was "Rock N Roll." Phil is survived by his loving wife, Marla S. Yarnelle; daughters Gina Gater and Andrea Burnworth; his grandchildren Lily, Landon, Liam, Haven and Porter; his mother, Judy Yarnelle; his brother, Mike Yarnelle and his sisters, Amy (Jeff) Dant and Mollie (Jess) Welch. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends who knew him for his warmth, sense of humor, and unwavering support. He is preceded in death by his father, James Porter Yarnelle, and sister Ann Marie Yarnelle. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of Philip at a public visitation, held at Divine Mercy Funeral Home-Cedar Canyons, 1986 W. Cedar Canyons Rd. Huntertown, IN 46748 on Monday, August 18 ,2025, from 2-4:00pm and 5-7:00pm. Rosary will be prayed at 1:30pm. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 10:30-11:30am, with an hour prior visitation. A graveside service at Highland Park Cemetery in Fort Wayne will conclude the services. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Services of N. E. Indiana. Online condolences may be left at www.divinemercvfuneralhome.com. We encourage everyone who knew Phil to come and celebrate his life with us. He may have left this world, but his spirit and legacy will live on in our hearts. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Philip J. Yarnelle, please click here to visit our sympathy store. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Philip J. Yarnelle, please click here to visit our sympathy store.