Phillip Stover Obituary

Loving husband, dad, and grandpa, Phillip Stover, 77, of Martinsville, Indiana, entered eternal rest peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Phillip's life began on Friday, February 6, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, born to the late Sanford and Reba (Arney) Stover. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Livingston, Tennessee, and later, during his toddler years, settled in Indianapolis, Indiana, where they made their home. He attended Manual High School, where his early interests included fast cars-most often Fords. Following high school, he began working for RCA before being drafted into the United States Army. Phil proudly volunteered to serve in the Vietnam War, training as a mechanic and serving as a driver of an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier with Troop A, 3rd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division. During his honorable service, Phil earned numerous decorations, including the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was also awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received prior to his return home. Phil later enjoyed a long and dedicated career with Lilly Industrial Coatings, which later became Valspar, retiring after 37 years of service. Never one to remain idle, he went on to work another 14 years in the maintenance department for the Monroe-Gregg School District in Monrovia. He adored his family and was a devoted fan of IU Basketball and NASCAR. Phil was also a proud member of the Ernie Pyle VFW Post 1120 in Indianapolis. In his leisure time, he was happiest fishing from his boat at Dale Hollow Lake. Phil leaves behind a host of loving family, including his wife, Kathy (Carroll) Stover of Martinsville, whom he married on December 9, 2005; one son, Kevin Stover (wife, Victoria) of Camby; stepchildren, Anthony Thomas and Stephenie Stevens (husband, Jay), both of Indianapolis; sister, Sandy Reeder (husband, Mike) of Monrovia; brother, Mark Stover (wife, Lori) of Monrovia; and two grandsons, Jacob Stover and Ethan Stover (wife, Grace) and his two beloved dogs, Sully and Duke. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Karen Stover and his two beloved dogs, Sandy and Sammie. Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Neal & Summers Funeral & Cremation Center in Martinsville. A graveside service with military honors will follow the visitation Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at New Crown Cemetery in Indianapolis. Online condolences and memories may be shared with Phil's family at www.nealandsummers.com.