John Phillip Trumbull

John Phillip (Phil) Trumbull, 90, passed away peacefully September 21, 2022, at home in Freeland with his family by his side.

He is survived by Elaine, his wife of 65 years; children Pamela Trumbull of Midland and Steven (Melissa) Trumbull of Saginaw: granddaughter Kathryn (Lincoln) Todd of South Lyon; two sisters-in-law, Fay Keinath and Madeleine Trumbull; many nieces and nephews; and his protector Buddy. 

He was predeceased by siblings: Anne (Bert) Eaton, Russell (Dorothea) Trumbull, Robert (Camille) Trumbull, and Fred Trumbull; brother-in-law, Alfred Keinath.

Born January 9, 1932, he and his parents, Russell and Ethel Trumbull, lived in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Phil enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War attaining the rank of S/Sgt. Stationed in Greenland, he was proud to be a member of the Flying Tigers and Knights of the Bluenose. Afterward, while serving in Michigan, he met Elaine Koeplinger and upon his honorable discharge, settled in Saginaw where they wed on May 18, 1957. They moved to Freeland in 1972. 

His precision and attention to detail served him well as a cutter grinder for Johnson Carbide and then Saginaw Steering Gear from which he retired. It was also evident in his hobby of building wooden model frigate cutaways. He coached Little League and loved golfing. Phil and Elaine enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and were so happy when their granddaughter was old
enough to join them.

Some will remember with fondness "Charlie the Talking Pumpkin" that entertained neighborhood children for decades on Halloween and his feeding treats to the dogs that went past his home. Sadie's going to miss him.

Phil was a member of American Legion Post 439; Korean War Veterans Association; and Sampson Air Force Base Veterans Association. The family would like to thank Nicki Burkhard and her family, Covenant Visiting Nurses Association, and all those whose lives he touched and who kept him in their thoughts and prayers.

The family is planning a private service prior to burial at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in
Saginaw.

Arrangements are being handled by Case Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or your favorite charity. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.casefuneralhome.com.