Clyde Phares

Clyde Leon Phares, 87, of Fountaintown, died Friday, April 6, 2012, at his residence. He was born Dec. 16, 1924, in Shelby County to William H. and Nellie Edith (Moore) Phares. He married Theresa Gasper on Sept. 12, 1953, and she survives in Fountaintown. Other survivors include sons, Robert Joseph Phares of Rushville and Donald Gene Phares of Noblesville; daughters, Catherine Ann Perry of New Palestine and Deborah Ann Dietz of Batesville; grandchildren, Robert John, Crystal Marie, Grant James, Dawn Marie, Desiree Lynn, Danielle Perry, Lucas Paul and Jason Anthony; sister, Dorothy Rocky of Greenfield; brother, John Phares of Shelbyville; great-grandchildren, Sadie Rose, Conrad Clair, Alexis and Gabriella Lynn. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold, Herbert and Paul Phares; and a sister, Ruby Knoop. Mr. Phares was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and survived the battle of the Rhine River in Europe as a tank breech gun loader. He worked for Naval Avionics for 23 years, retiring in 1985. Mr. Phares had been a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church since 1953. Clyde enjoyed fishing but loved deer hunting with his sons. He also could play a pretty mean game of horseshoes. He loved his garden with a passion and would walk through his garden with his saltshaker in his pocket in anticipation of the first ripe tomato. He also loved a good game of euchre. You could always expect to hear him say "Deal 'em" immediately following a holiday meal or a casual meal. His grandkids could count on getting a dollar for their piggy banks after every visit. He will always be remembered for his tinkering and building things during his retirement. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 ^th , at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service & Crematory, 703 S. Harrison St., with a rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 11 ^th , at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Aaron Pfaff officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Shelbyville, with graveside military rites conducted by local veterans organizations. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Francis Hospice. An online guest book may be signed at www. murphyparks.com .