Philip J. Lupien, Jr., 79

Philip J. Lupien, Jr., age 79, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away at 5:25 A.M. on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice Center, near Defiance, where he was a patient. Philip was born on October 18, 1936, the son of Philip and Charlotte (Carpenter) Lupien, in his grandmother’s log cabin in Pentland Township, Luce County, Michigan, near the town of Newberry. Philip worked at Aro Corporation in Bryan for 45 years. He was a machinist and worked in many departments during his working career.

Philip married his bride of 59 years, Viola M. Smith on January 19, 1957 in the Church of the Nazarene in Langsburg, Michigan, and she survives. Philip is also survived by his sons, David Lupien, of Bryan, Alan Lupien, of Leroy, Michigan and Barry Lupien, of Bryan; daughter, Karol (Dana) Parker, of Ashton, Michigan; 7 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 2 step great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Roger Lupien, of Lansing, Michigan, Robert Lupien, of Edon and Gerald Lupien, of DeWitt, Michigan and 6 sisters, Lora Barber, of Langsburg, Michigan, Patricia Smith, of Edon, Sue Arnott, of Bad Axe, Michigan, Linda Walter, of Corunna, Michigan, Barbara Speerbrecker, of Newberry, Michigan and Carolyn Cook, of Marion, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandsons, Alan Perry Barns and Benjamine Lupien, half sister, Gwenda Shieding and sister, Betty Brandt.

Mr. Lupien was a US Army veteran, entering the service in December 1953 and would serve 21 months overseas with the 2nd Armor Division, 57th Tank Battalion, Headquarters/Service Company, 4th Platoon in Sanhoffen, Germany. He was honorably discharged in December 1956.

Over the years, Philip was active in serving young people in summer Little League and Scouting programs in Edon in the ‘60s and ‘70s. He organized the Edon PeeWee League in the early ‘70s. Philip was also involved with local veteran groups, having Life memberships with the Bryan VFW, Bryan AmVets and Bryan American Legion Charles E. Arnold Post #284. He served as Post Commander of Post 284 in 1995 and achieved all time high membership during his time of service. He served through the levels of the American Legion culminating in becoming Commander of the Great First District of the Department of Ohio in 2007-2008. He returned to his Post to serve as the Post Advisor to the Sons of the American Legion, was Americanism Chairman executing the A&G program and Buckeye Boys State. Philip was also very involved with the Sons of the American Revolution, Northwest Chapter, serving as President and at the state level as Northwest District Chairman. He assisted in many patriot grave markings and youth activities supported by the chapter. Philip enjoyed his family and auto racing, following the ISMA Supermodified Series and watching Sprints, NASCAR and Indy car series races.

Visitation for Philip J. Lupien, Jr. will be held from 2:00-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. in the funeral home with Father James Halleron officiating. Burial will follow at Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan with graveside military rites accorded by the Bryan American Legion, Bryan VFW and US Army.

Memorials in the name of Philip J. Lupien may be given to the family.