Phillip Keith Kreegar

Phillip Keith Kreegar, 82 of Westfield, IN passed away peacefully from this earth into the loving arms of Jesus on June 24, 2020 with his family by his side. Phil was born at home in Anderson on August 3, 1937, to the late James Kreegar and Uva (Johnson) Kreegar.

Phil was a 1955 graduate of Anderson High School.  In 1958, he married his kindergarten sweetheart, Martha Ann Reed.  He joined the Purdue ROTC program.  After graduating from Purdue with a BS degree in Ag Education, he served the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant, stationed in Ft. Eustis, VA.  Phil went on to serve in the Army Reserves for 6 years, leaving with the rank of Captain.  

In 1966, Phil took a position with Indiana Farm Bureau and moved his family from Anderson to Carmel.  Phil along with his family, helped charter Central Christian Church, which is now Thrive Christian Church.  He served as Elder and Sunday School Teacher for several decades.

Phil wore many hats during his working years.  He was an Agriculture Teacher and Assistant Principal at Kitchel High School in Liberty IN.  He served our country in the US Army as an Officer; he was a field man in Madison County at the Farm Bureau Co-op; he worked in Public Relations at IFBC (Indiana Farm Bureau Coop) as a Communication Specialist, Assistant Manager of Education, Manager of Member Relations and Education Manager.

Other positions Phil held were working with Youth Power, FFA Foundation, National Council Farmer Co-ops, Photographer, Agrafacts Journalist, editor of Farm News newspaper, Chairman of Bethany Boy Scouts of America, Orchard Park School PTO and publicity committee for Carmel Dad’s Club.  He was named Honorary Indiana Young Farmer, received a Distinguished Service award in Agriculture, Honorable Hoosier Farmer Degree and Honorable American FFA Degree.  He was also a member of the Purdue Agriculture Alumni Association.

Phil was a fighter and survivor - having had a liver transplant 24 years ago with surgery complications, he defied all odds and was able to spend time watching his grandchildren grow into adults, which brought a smile on his face each time they were together.

In addition to his parents, Phil was preceded in death by his sister, Donna (Bruce) Webster of Indianapolis.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Martha Ann (Reed) Kreegar of Westfield; children; Greg (Elaine) Kreegar of Carmel, Pam (Doug) Lawler of Westfield, and Deb (Doug) McConnell of Coatesville; grandchildren, Zach Kreegar, Jacob Lawler, Nathan (Erin) Lawler, Logan McConnell, and Lauryn McConnell.

Family and friends will gather from 1-3 pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 in Thrive Christian Church, 15091 Towne Road, Westfield, with the Funeral Service beginning at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be given to Thrive Christian Church.  Envelopes will be available at the service.

A private family burial will take place in Marion National Cemetery with military honors.

Bussell Family Funerals, Westfield-Carmel is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

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