Jerold N. “Jerry” Phillabaum, 72, of Marianna, Florida, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2010, in Calhoun-Liberty Hospital after a very short bout with cancer.
He was born October 8, 1937 in Dayton, Ohio, and was of the Protestant faith. He became a policeman at age 18 in Miamisburg, Ohio, and continued that work in the nearby village of West Carrollton, Ohio, where he was Sergeant for many years. He then had his own logging and truck operation in Piqua, Ohio, but developed very serious oral cancer. After recovery he moved to southern Florida and owned a home pressurized cleaning business. He and his wife, Donna, owned and drove a straight truck for three years hauling expedited freight and owned the local Blue Springs Apartments. His heart was always in police work so he became a security officer until his illness. He was the officer for the Social Security Office in Marianna for some time.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Lawrence Phillabaum, and brother, James Phillabaum, all of Piqua, OH.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Donna Jean (Ray) Phillabaum, whom he knew since high school; a son, James Phillabaum, and his wife, Regina, of Yelm, Washington; three daughters, Crystal Reed of Miamisburg, Ohio, Dr. Sheri Phillabaum Ellzey and her husband, Roy, of San Antonio, Texas, and Kelly Turner and her husband, Craig, of Piqua, Ohio; a step-daughter, Bobbie Frenton and her husband, Steve, of Marianna; a niece; nephews; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorialization will be by cremation. Donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, 4440 Lafayette Street, Suite C, Marianna, Florida 32446 if desired or to a dog rescue unit of your choice.
Adams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements (674-5449 or online at
www.adamsfh.com).
