Phillip Everhart Wenner, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Born April 15, 1932, in Loudon County, Virginia, to George and Mary (Hennen) Wenner, Phil graduated from Jewett High School in 1950, where he was a standout football and basketball player and later inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame.
He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict before earning a bachelor’s degree in applied science from Youngstown State University. On December 27, 1953, he married Edith Walker, and they shared 54 devoted years of marriage until her passing in 2007. On February 19, 2009, he married Marilynn (Weiser) Morgan. Family remained at the center of his life, and he embraced each role with love and quiet strength.
A longtime and active member of Saybrook United Methodist Church, Phil lived out his faith daily through integrity, discipline, and kindness. He dedicated more than 30 years to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, retiring in 1985, and remained deeply proud of his service and his Ohio roots. He was a loyal fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and rarely missed a game.
Phil lived an exceptionally active life. An avid runner, tennis player, and golfer, he exercised daily until just three weeks before his passing, a testament to his discipline and determination. He was also a longtime member of Masonic Lodge #065.
Above all, he was a devoted father and an extraordinary grandfather who eagerly got down on the floor to play with his grandchildren, creating memories they will cherish forever.
He is survived by his wife, Marilynn; his children, Rhonda (Larry) Pontinen, Phillip (Dawn) Wenner, Edie (Jeffrey) Warren, and Kelli (Gina) Hays; his sister, Virginia Miller; eight grandchildren: Russell, Katie, Caleb, Vanessa, Kylie, Alissa, Jackson, and Tyler; 20 great-grandchildren; and his stepsons, Rob (Lisa) Morgan, Rick Morgan, Brad (Cathy) Morgan, Brian (Tam) Morgan, and their children.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Edith; his brothers, Charles, George, and John Wenner; his sisters, Isabelle Wallace and Mary Kay Green; and his parents.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Saybrook United Methodist Church, 7900 S. Depot Rd., Ashtabula, with burial to follow at Saybrook Cemetery and military honors provided by the Ashtabula County Honor Guard.
Calling hours will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ducro Funeral Home, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004.
Memorial contributions may be made in Phillip’s name to the East Ohio United Methodist Foundation, Wenner Scholarship Foundation, 8800 Cleveland Ave. N.W., North Canton, Ohio 44720.