Philip Thayer Kersh, 93, of Payson, Utah, passed away on December 19, 2020. Phil was born on May 22, 1927 in Mishawaka, Indiana to Ralph Clair & Bernice Opal Reeder Kersh. He graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. Phil was employed at Honeywell as a test engineer for about 30 years.
He married Doris Aileen McGill on June 21, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio. Doris passed away on May 15, 1953. He later married Helen Gladys Hudson on November 26, 1955 in Minden City, Michigan. Helen passed away on January 7, 2009.
Phil enjoyed doing genealogy work, singing in choirs and enjoyed being part of the Brookside 2nd ward choir. He was a temple worker in the Chicago, St Paul, Provo, and Payson temples. He loved his family and supported them in everything that he could. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Phil is survived by his children Douglas Kersh (Heather) of Payson, Utah; Stuart Kersh of Denver, Colorado; Cameron Kersh (Sherry) of Lehi, Utah; Philip Kersh (Amy) of Lehi, Utah, 22 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and sister Gail Kiracofe of Harrisonburg, Virginia.
He was preceded in death by both his wives Doris Aileen McGill and Helen Gladys Hudson, and brother Jerome Kersh.
Due to COVID, a private family funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be at the Payson City Cemetery.
The link to the livestream of the funeral service will be available at the bottom of Phil’s obituary on Walker Funeral Home’s website.
3 Condolences for Philip Thayer Kersh
Condolences(3)
Steve Davis says
December 22, 2020 at 9:06 pmI have shared some on Facebook already but feel like I should say more. Phil in all the years I knew him never openly judged anyone. He genuinely cared for people. He was usually the smartest person in the room, but he never made you feel less intelligent. Instead he would share his knowledge and wisdom in a very caring and loving way. This is a very endearing quality about him that will always be a wonderful memory to me. He loved to serve and he loved to help. He was witty, kind, and loved to laugh. I will miss him and his example of Christlike love. Rest peacefully. Your work on earth is done. To all his family, my heart is with you as you feel the heartache of loss, but celebrate a life well lived. Peace be with you and God bless.
Travis Jockumsen says
December 24, 2020 at 6:40 pmPhil was my neighbor across the street for many years here in Payson. Phil always said high and was willing to talk when we were both outside. I got to know him well and enjoyed his company and he gave us a honey baked ham each spring for helping him with his snow removal. I found out Phil would give us the ham but never kept any for himself so we would share some back with him so that he could also enjoy it. I enjoyed his friendship and will miss him and his sense of humor.
Connie McKeen says
December 27, 2020 at 1:34 amSorry for your families lose. He was blessed to have a great son and daughter in law as Doug and Heather. Bless you all.
Connie