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Visitation: 4 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Graveside Ceremony: 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Oskaloosa Cemetery. Those attending are asked to go directly to the cemetery.
At the request of the family, observing social distancing guidelines is recommended during all gatherings. Visitors arriving at the Tuesday visitation will be asked to have a very brief temperature scan performed and masks will be available. The family wishes to express their gracious understanding to those who would normally express condolences in person by attending the visitation or ceremony, but may choose not to at this time.
Philip Eugene Sefton, age 71, passed away at home on the afternoon of July 9, 2020, from complications of lung fibrosis, a disease often referred to as “farmer’s lung.” Just the day before, Phil had been released from the rehabilitation unit of Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, IL, following a three-week stay.
The son of Edna Mae Porter and Byron Sefton, Phil was born in Effingham, Illinois, on February 25, 1949. In 1967, he was graduated from Flora High School, where he received the outstanding agricultural student award. Before high school graduation, however, upon the death of his father, Phil assumed responsibility for running the family farm alongside his mother, Edna.
At age 22, on April 9, 1971, Phil married Kathy Lynn Colclasure. Over their 49 years of marriage, Phil and Kathy together built a successful farming business and cattle operation. Simultaneously, Phil and Kathy raised two hardworking children—Jeremy Sefton and Shelli Slifer—who have, in turn, given them four rambunctious and farm-minded grandchildren. In Phil’s absence, Jeremy will continue to run the family farm, now in its fourth generation, alongside Kathy, son-in-law Chris Slifer, and grandson, Thomas.
In addition to the land, Phil loved many things during his life: family, neighbors, sharing time with cherished friends, livestock, playing practical jokes, and traveling a bit through the Western US. His character can be captured in a few adjectives: hardworking, loyal, prepared, private, smart, honest, and a tad ornery.
Preceding Phil in death were his parents: Byron and Edna Mae Sefton; mother- and father-in-law: Dorothy and Paul Colclasure; and many aunts and uncles. Phil is survived by his wife, Kathy; son Jeremy Sefton of Xenia, IL; daughter Shelli Slifer (Chris) of Mode, IL; four grandchildren: Gracie, Mollie, & Thomas Slifer and Levi Sefton; two sisters: Janis Hubble (Steve) of Meridian, ID and Mary Saras (Paul) of Boise, ID; one aunt: Bernita Porter of Louisville, IL, and special “adopted” family member: Carissa McCulley.
Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at the Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, IL. A graveside ceremony will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Oskaloosa Cemetery. Phil’s pastor, Bruce Horsley, from Xenia Community Church will officiate. Those attending are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Burial will follow in the Oskaloosa Cemetery, where Phil will be interred alongside his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to either Flora FFA, Clay County 4-H, or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation; donation envelopes will be accepted at the funeral home.
At the request of the family, observing social distancing guidelines is recommended during all gatherings. Visitors arriving at the Tuesday visitation will be asked to have a very brief temperature scan performed and masks will be available. The family wishes to express their gracious understanding to those who would normally express condolences in person by attending the visitation or ceremony, but may choose not to at this time. An online guestbook is available at: www.frankandbright.com
During his final months, Phil’s spirits were buoyed by the outpouring of kindness from friends and family members. His family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all who visited, called, prayed, sent cards and food, took Phil for drives, and helped on the farm. A very special thank you goes to Phil’s son-in-law, Chris, and grandson, Thomas, for stepping in to help Jeremy and Kathy keep the farm running.
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Nov 1, 1976 - Apr 13, 2024
Aug 31, 1955 - Apr 12, 2024
Apr 22, 1958 - Jan 18, 2024
Feb 25, 1973 - Mar 26, 2024
So sorry to hear this. He was such a great guy. Always had a smile for us. We loved talking with him, will miss seeing him at Skillet Fork Grill.
Jeremy and family We are so sorry for your loss. So glad we got to spend time with him when we bought Levi to see him. He will be missed by all. Rest In Peace grandpa. I love you ❤️ Levi
So sorry for your loss. Phil was such a good friend to my dad and always looking out for him. He will be terribly missed.
So sorry for your families loss, you are in our prayers.
So sorry to hear about Phil's passing. Your family is in our prayers.
Kathy My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. You and your family have our deepest sympathy. Phil was a great guy and friend. Always enjoyed playing basketball with him during our high school days. RIP fellow ‘67 grad.
My deepest sympathy is with the Sefton family. Phil and my brother Gary were friends during high school, where they were both deeply involved with Ag and FFA. Phil was one of the nicest guys that I knew. May God watch over and comfort you all, always.
Love and prayers from my family. Growing up as neighbors and working for Phil on the farm was a blessing.
Kathy and Family: We are saddened to hear about Phil’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God hold you close❣️
I'm so very sorry for your loss..my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends......
Dear Janis, we are so sorry that you have lost your brother 😢 We know exactly how you feel in losing a sibling. You will be in our prayers as you walk this journey. God bless ❣️
Praying for all the family of Phil.
Our thoughts & prayers are with the family. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Kathy and family. Sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. A true gentleman and all around good man—he will be missed. I always enjoyed talking to him at Knapp’s.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Kathy and family, We are so sad to hear of Phil’s death. He was always so friendly to us and our family. We’re keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. We enjoyed visiting with him over the years.
So sorry for your loss!
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Very sorry for the loss of your loved one.Phil will be deeply missed by all who knew him.Your family will be in our prayers.
Phil was a good man and I always enjoyed his wisdom and humor . He will be missed but his example of character will guide us in years to come . Prayers for all of you .
So very sorry for you all,our prayers for the family .
Sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. He was a special man.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you so sorry for your loss
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing his smiling face.
My sincere and deepest condolences. Uplifting Jerm and family in healing and comforting prayers. God be with you all.
We were so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. Prayers are with you at this difficult time.
We are ao Sorry for your Loss We always enjoyed visiting with him. He was Truely a Farmer.....
So sorry for your loss, your family is in my prayers.
So sorry Phil was always very sweet to me,he will be missed
Phil was a kind man . I waited on him and his family at Knapps for years. May God be with the family at this time of your loss.
Shelli and family, we are so sorry for your loss.
I'll always remember going choring with Uncle Phil on our trips out to Illinois. He would always crack jokes, give us wet willies, but then take us to get ice cream on the way home. We will miss him alot. Sending my love to you all from Arizona!
I remember him fondly. First time meet him I was going for Loren Dow. Very kind, considerate and caring man! To his family, remember he is pain free now, laughing and sending out his live to u all. Resting in peace. Hugs to you all.
I went to school (from Oskaloosa to part of Flora years) Cannot say enough about Phil! He truly wS a special person from childhood on!Our prayers are with you all!!!
❤️
Kathy and Jeremy So sorry to hear this, will always remember him for his genuine smile! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
We are so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing He was a good man and friend! He was always so proud of his kids and grandkids. I will miss our conversations as we bounced through the pastures looking at cattle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathy,Jeremy,and family,we are so sorry to hear about Phil. He will be greatly missed. He was a character. No matter who was around he would not walk away til he made you laugh or at least smile. When he got sick and couldn't go very many places ,I would secretly wish that you guys would stop by Knapps and brighten my spirits. Special prayers for you and your family to stay strong and at ease that he's no longer in pain and discomfort. I imagine that he's up there in Heaven telling God some of those silly jokes. Rest in peace Mr Phil.
The best uncle I could have ever asked for. Some of my fondest childhood memories included riding around in his old pickup truck, choring, and trying to escape his infamous "wet willies." I will miss him dearly. Sending all my love to the Sefton family!
RIP my friend
Kathy and Family I am so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. We use to have so much fun at 4-H meetings He was always so nice. I have really fond memories of him and his Mom such a hard worker after his dad passed. Such a good son to his Mom so I am sure he was a great husband and Dad and Grandpa!!! Just remember he can breath now and God has him wrapped in his arms, no more pain!!
Thinking of you. So sorry for your loss.
Kathy and Jeremy so sorry for your loss. Phil was always a special person. He will be missed by many.
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Phil, our condolences to the entire family.
My sympathy and prayers for the family at this time.
Deepest condolences . Phil was such a wonderful friend and neighbor.
Sorry for your loved ones passing. I enjoyed waiting on Phil when he came into knapps when I was there. Always laughing and so full of energy. He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers to all. May God be with you though your time of healing and adjusting to life there after.
So sorry, please accept our condolences.
So sorry for your loss Kathy and family. All of your memories will become so precious now and forever.
Phil was a great and kind man in the farm community of Xenia, he will be greatly missed.
We are so very sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. Prayers for the family 🙏🏼 Thinking of you all.
John and I are so very sorry for your loss of a great man. He always had a smile and a chuckle.... and was a good friend to many. We Pray his loved ones will find comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering from his long illness. May, God, give comfort during this most difficult time in your lives.
So very sorry for you all . Prayers
So very sorry for you all . Prayers
Very sorry, he was a good man.
There was no one Dad appreciated more than Phil when it came to farming. His work ethic and dedication to farm and field were mentioned often to us as a good example of being a hard worker. It's very hard to lose them, and my heart goes out to you. Perhaps they are together looking over the crops and talking about farming.
With Our Deepest Sympathy = Brad & Teri Baker
I am so glad to have had Phil for a friend. I send my thoughts and prayers to you as you endure your loss.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
