Phillip Oliver Jacobs, born October 26, 1931, Willard, OH, died at the age of 89 on November 23, 2020.
Born into a farming and railroad family, Phil spent many days with his brothers working on their farm. Phil met Carolyn when he was just 17 and at the ripe old age of 19 (she being 16), they eloped. Phil joined the Navy right after their first child Kathy was born. Phil was a Navy veteran who proudly served in the Korean War. After leaving the Navy, Phil and Carolyn returned to Willard and in1959 they founded Jacobs Television and Appliance, which is still a staple in downtown Willard. Phil was an avid golfer and a lifelong member of the Willard Country Club. He was also a lifelong member of the Willard Elks club.
More than anything else Phil will always be remembered as a kind hearted, gentle soul, who would do anything for anyone. He never met a stranger, and he and Carolyn were known for taking in those who needed a place to stay - friends, family and the occasional animals (just ask their kids - there was always someone staying at their house). They wouldn't have had it any other way. Most importantly Phil was devoted to his family. From his amazing wife, down to their youngest great granddaughter, he was the epitome of devotion and love. His family always came first. He would bring his grandkids to the lake house to spend the weekend, he would teach them to drive cars and tractors (their ages didn't matter), water ski and jump off the dock tower. Jokes were always a highlight as he would search for the best "dad" jokes to share with his grandkids. Most of all, he understood the value of time spent together and he did everything in his power to spend as much quality time with his family as possible. There wasn't a human on this earth who met him, that didn't love him.
Phil is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn (Hedden) Jacobs, his parents, Lewis (Kate) Jacobs, Veva (Walker) Jacobs and Maxwell and Margaret (McFadden) Hedden. Brothers, Bob (Ruth) Jacobs, Dan (Lorrie) Jacobs, Fred Jacobs, Ted (Mary) Jacobs, James (Suellen) Jacobs. In laws, Gail Jacobs, Richard Newland, Marjean (Bob) Husbands, Brink Hedden and Roger Hedden.
Phil is survived by his two children, Kathy Van Laar and Jerry (Kim) Jacobs, his five grandchildren, Carrie (Scott) Thomason, Brandon (Carly) Van Laar, Ryan (Tiffany) Jacobs, Dustin (Morgan) Jacobs, Kyle (Melanie) Jacobs and his eleven great grandchildren, Jordan, Carter and Camden Thomason, Aiden and Avery Van Laar, Isabella and Schaffer Jacobs, Ellie, Tate and Merritt Jacobs and Scarlett Jacobs. Brothers Tom (Marlena) Jacobs and Larry Jacobs. Sisters Donna Newland, Linda Jacobs and Jean (Dan) Traxler. As well as a multitude of nieces and nephews (3 generations deep).
At this time no services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be sent to: Hearing Loss Association of America (www.hearingloss.org). Online memorials may be made to Phillip's family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.