Philip Myette
Greenville |
Philip Edward Myette, age 72 of Greenville, passed away at home on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after a long struggle with both heart and lung disease. He was surrounded by his family and loving friends.
A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Greenville Free Methodist Church with Pastor Deborah Somerville officiating. Interment will follow in Montrose Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church Friday, February 21, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to The Restore Network, The Simple Room, or Free Methodist World Missions designated for the Groesbeck Retreat Center in Butuan, Philippines. Memorials may be mailed to the Donnell – Wiegand Funeral Home, 203 West Oak, Greenville, IL 62246.
Philip and Linda B. Groesbeck were united in marriage on December 28, 1973. They have enjoyed over 51 years of marriage. They are the parents of Rachel Elizabeth (Jim) Killinger and Benjamin David (Katie) Myette, and proud grandparents of Jackson (Jack) Killinger, Ryan Philip Killinger, Lily Killinger and Isaiah Myette, Ellie Myette, James Myette, Evan Myette, Emma Myette and Luke Myette. He is also survived by his sisters Karen (Michael) Doty, and Barbara (Paul) Benson.
Philip, the son of Philip Edmond and Lois Jenny Wilcox Myette, was born October 19, 1952, in Portland Maine. He lived in New York state until he was 12, then moved to Winona Lake, Indiana where his parents worked at Free Methodist Headquarters. He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1971 and attended Greenville College (University) from 1971-72. He left school and traveled for a year with a Christian contemporary music group called Free Spirit. He always considered this a highlight in his life as he loved to sing and perform and share his faith. Phil returned to Greenville College (University) in 1985 as an adult student and graduated in 1987 with a major in business. He went on to achieve a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from SIUE in 1989. He was also a certified recording engineer.
During his career, Philip worked in a variety of technology-related jobs. Following his graduation, he designed and ran the Greenville College Media Center, was instrumental in creating one of the first university laptop programs in the US and built the first two recording studios for the Contemporary Christian Music Major. After fifteen years of service at Greenville College, Philip assisted in the distance learning programs at North Park University in Chicago, telemedicine programs at Carle Foundation Hospital and technical support at Parkland College, both in Champaign. He retired from Enertech in Greenville in 2018.
Music always played a major role in Phil’s life. He sang with his family as a child and went on to play the string bass and sing with the choir in high school, He participated in five different music groups in college, travelled nationally with Free Spirit, directed a Free Spirit team, youth group ensembles, and adult ministry teams. He loved singing in choirs, singing with his wife and family, and participating in Norman and Nomads men’s group.
Phil was always a problem solver and seemed to be able to figure out how to do almost anything from playing an instrument to sound engineering, building a house, singing and recording all four parts of a song, and anything related to a computer. He was a life-long learner who loved history, biographies, documentaries, and anything related to the Civil War and WWII. He loved watching sports, camping, and spending time with his friends and family (especially his grandchildren). Phil also loved to travel and was able to visit every state and travel internationally.
Those who knew Phil speak of his quiet, keen wit, his kindness, hospitality and warm heart. He touched many lives with his presence and served as an example of faith and quiet acceptance of life’s measures. His humble spirit and deep faith were evident throughout his life, but especially during his last few years. He experienced a life well lived and leaves a lasting legacy to all who knew and loved him. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Donnell – Wiegand Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visit www.donnellwiegand.com to leave the family a condolence or share a memory or picture.
Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home
