Phillip Kevin Strahm, Sr., age 69, passed away at his home in Thorntown, Indiana on Thursday morning, October 16, 2025.  Born June 20, 1956, in Lebanon, Indiana, he was the son of the late Robert H. and Edith Alberta “Bonnie” (Scering) Strahm.

     He was a member of The Holy Bible Church in Lebanon.

     Phillip graduated from Thorntown High School with the Class of 1974, the final graduating class before the district consolidated to form Western Boone Jr/Sr High School.  

     Not long after receiving his diploma, Phillip embarked on an adventure that changed his life in ways he never imagined.  His heart was set on serving his country, and the Marine Corps was where he chose to enlist.  For 22 ½ years, the Corps was his home, his life, and everything in between.  Much of his service was in the aviation sector, where he was attached to an Air Wing that supported the A4 Skyhawk.  Phillip was a Jack-of-all-trades, and he put most of them to the test daily by working on, and maintaining, the small attack aircraft.  His primary role was as a seat mechanic, which made him responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the pilot's ejection seat, pilot equipment, and associated safety systems, which are crucial for the pilot's survival in emergencies.  Throughout his career, the aircraft may have changed, and their needs (including the use of liquid oxygen) changed right along with them, but one constant was the group of highly specialized individuals that made sure they were sending their brothers and sisters out into harm’s way with equipment that would see them safely home.

     After his years in the Marine Corps were complete, Phillip shifted his focus to his new life as a civilian.  For many years he worked for Hachette Book Group in Lebanon, Indiana, where he once again assumed the title of resident Jack-of-all-trades.  Working for Hachette gave him plenty of access to books, and as an avid reader, Phillip took full advantage.  He also enjoyed doing yardwork and landscaping.  Sometimes sitting in front of the TV is exactly what a day (or night) calls for.  When it was time to wind down, Westerns and old war movies usually fit the bill.  If Notre Dame was playing, the Fighting Irish ALWAYS won the remote-control war.  

     Phillip was a man of strong faith, who had a deep and unwavering love for his family.  He loved his children and cherished every moment he was able to spend with his grandchildren.  They say home is where the heart is, and for Phillip, that was never truer.  A bit of a home body, there was no other place he wanted to be than at home with friends and family.

     He spent a lifetime mastering the look and feel of a gruff, grumpy, mean old codger, but everyone who knew him, knew better.  Phillip was just a big old teddy bear with a heart of gold.

Phillip is survived by:

his loving wife, Michelle Suzanne (Hines) Strahm.  She and Phillip were married on December 15, 1978.  

his son
Phillip Kevin Strahm, Jr. of Thorntown

2 daughters
Heather M. Mason (Dustin) of Lebanon
Jennifer R. Girgan (Dan) of Kingsville, Texas

3 grandchildren
Connor Mason
Raven Girgan
Daniel Girgan

2 sisters
Dorothy Strahm of Thorntown
Monica Taylor (Clifford) of Abilene, Texas

and many nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by:

his parents
Robert H. and Edith Alberta “Bonnie” (Scering) Strahm

his brother
Robert H. Strahm, Jr.

A celebration of Phillip’s life, with military honors, will take place at 12:00 pm
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 
at The Holy Bible Church, 
1315 South Meridian Street, 
Lebanon, Indiana, 

with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service.