Philip L. Lotich

RICHMOND, Ind. – Philip L. Lotich, age 89, of Richmond, died Sunday, September 13, 2015, at Golden Living Center/Golden Rule. Born March 29, 1926, in Harrison County, Indiana, to Albert L. and Blanch Yenowine Lotich, Phil lived most of his life in Richmond. He was a 1944 graduate of Corydon High School and attended Indiana University. Phil served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII beginning in 1944, and was discharged in 1945, when the war ended. He served as past Commander of American Legion Harry Ray Post #65 for over 50 years and served as past Commander of District 10 American Legion in Indiana. Phil was active in community service for the American Legion since 1968, designing and planning the Freedom Fountain & Memorial in the 1980’s, as well as the Earlham Cemetery Veterans Field of Honor in the 1990’s. He was the planner and spokesman for the American Legion’s fireworks display in Richmond for over 20 years. Phil was past President of the local Veterans Council of Wayne County, Indiana. He served as Master of Ceremonies at the Freedom Fountain and Field of Honor each year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day for the past 25 years. Phil was active in other works of the Veterans Council and attended all of the regularly scheduled meetings. He was loyal to all veterans’ activities in all seasons and weather conditions. Phil attended and helped conduct graveside services for veterans in Wayne County and other locations. He and his wife, Betty were active members of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, where Phil also served as an elder. He began working at National Life Insurance Company, which later became American General Life Insurance Company, from 1949 until retirement in 1987, where he served in Richmond as the District Manager and agent. He was past President of the Life Insurance Underwriters Association, and served on the boards of RSVP and Area 9 Agency on Aging. Phil was also a life member of the Sertoma Club. In 2002, Phil received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor Frank O’Bannon. In 2006 he was honored with the Distinguished Hoosier of the Year award. He had numerous hobbies which included military history and American Legion activities, local and state. Phil stayed active daily and enjoyed fishing with his friends and family. Philip L. Lotich deserves to be recognized for his past and most recent services and support of local and state community activities. Survivors include his wife, Betty E. Roberts Lotich, to whom he was married on May 30, 1947; sons, Jerry W. (Lynda) Lotich of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Rick J. (Ronda) Lotich of Frisco, Texas, and Scott D. (Robin) Lotich of Richmond; grandchildren, Todd Lotich, Ryan Lotich, Nick Lotich, Tracey Amyx, Lindsey Rothrock, and Chad Croley; great-grandchildren, Morgan, Alyssa, Addison, Tyler, Layne, Genevieve, Trevor, Aaron, Reece, Cameron, Channing, and Avaline; nieces; nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Thomas E. Lotich. Visitation for Philip L. Lotich will be from 5 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2015, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. There will be visitation from 12 to 2:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2015, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Rev. Joseph T. Fields, Jr., M.Div. officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery Veterans Field of Honor with military honors provided by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to: Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1004 N. A Street, Richmond, IN 47374 or American Legion Harry Ray Post #65, 109 N. 6th Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Philip L. Lotich

March 29, 1926 - September 13, 2015