Robert E. Philson

Robert E. "Bob" Philson, 92, passed away peacefully in his home on October 26, 2025, surrounded by family.

Robert was born March 9, 1933, to Jones E. and Evelyn E. Philson in Mercer, PA.  He graduated from Mercer High School in 1951 and served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean War.

Robert married the former Mary Jo Lee on June 15, 1955.  They lived in the Mercer/Jackson Center area where they raised their family.  They were married for 69 years.

Bob retired from Cooper Energy Services in Grove City in 1995 with 43 years of service as a general foreman.

Bob was a founding member of Living Word Fellowship in New Wilmington.  His Christian faith was central to his life.  He also served on the school boards of Mercer and Lakeview school districts for 12 years.

Robert is survived by two daughters, Vicki Loette Narlee and Katherine JoAn Philson, and one son, Eric Leroy (Amy) Philson, all of Mercer.  Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, Jennifer Horstman, Polk, Andrew (Keri) Narlee, Kennerdell, Raymond Narlee, Jackson Center, Spring (James) Barish, Stoneboro, Timothy (Andrea) Leksell, Fredonia, Tara Faler, Marlinton, West Virginia, Jaimee Jewell, New Castle, Fawn (David) Moore, Charleston, Robert Lubonovich, Saint Robert, Missouri, Jeremiah Lee Philson, Mercer, Joel (Cassandra) Philson, Grove City, Gwendolyn (Michael) Ceasar, Englewood, New Jersey, Emma (David) Eliyahu, Tidioutte, Isobel Philson, Mercer, Elisha Philson, Mercer, and Eleanor Philson, Mercer. He is also survived by 26 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jo, son Lee Edwin Philson, daughter Elizabeth Joy Boyer, brother William Philson, grandson Joshua Philson, and great-grandson Joshua Eliyahu.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 12:00pm at Living Word Fellowship, 22 Victory Lane, New Wilmington. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10:00am to 12:00pm time of service. He will be laid to rest at Millbank Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.snyderfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Highway, Sheakleyville. 

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