J. Philip Bixler, III

James Philip Bixler III, 80, of Cumru Township, passed away Friday, July 28, 2023 in his residence with his family by his side.

Born in Reading, he was a son of the late James P. Bixler, Jr. and Ada (Angstadt) Bixler. He was the husband of Sandra J. (Zieber) Bixler, his High School sweetheart, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage.

Phil was a 1960 graduate of Mt. Penn High School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After basic training in Texas, he went to Chanute AF Base, Chicago to school as an electrical technician on airplane jets. He was transferred to McGuire AF Base and later Dover AF Base from where he was discharged in 1968. He continued to serve for 4 years in the AF Reserves.

Phil worked for many years at Muhlenberg Dairy, then Maier’s Bakery, retiring in 1997. After retirement he worked part-time at Sear’s Hardware for 10 years. He was a Mister Fix-it throughout his life, often helping neighbors, family, and friends.

He was an active member of Immanuel UCC, Shillington, serving on Consistory, Property Committee, youth activities, and mission trips. He served as a Cub Scout leader in early years, Kenhorst Fire Company for 25 years, and Kenhorst Borough Council member for 20 plus years. He was a member of the Shillington Lions Club and Baird Ornithological Club.

In his early years, Phil studied Herpetology with Sam Gundy at the Reading Public Museum. He had an interest in all of nature and spent much of his time outdoors. He enjoyed gardening and was an avid Birdwatcher. He enjoyed many years of family camping from Maine to Florida, especially Sanibel, and later years, with his wife traveling to the most memorable trip to East Africa. Most of all he treasured his time spent with family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy and by his children – Kimberly wife of Timothy Resh, Lancaster, Karen wife of Charles Lingenfelter, Douglassville, James Philip Bixler IV, Charlotte, NC. Also surviving are his 5 grandchildren – Alexander Resh husband of Samantha, Lancaster, Bronson Resh husband of Ashley, NJ, Alyssa Murphy companion of Joe Finch, NC, Owen Murphy companion of Lauren, Pottstown, and Alyssa Lingenfelter, Blandon. Additional survivors include his great granddaughter Lucille Resh, Lancaster, his brother Michael Bixler husband of Suzanne, Muhlenberg, and his nephew Louis Moyer wife of Arlene, Mohnton. He was predeceased by his sister, Lynne Ada Adams.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM from Immanuel UCC, 99 S. Waverly Street, Shillington, PA 19607. Rev. Megan Huesgen and Rev. Jayme Babczak, his pastors, will officiate. Visitation in the church fellowship hall immediately following services. In lieu of flowers, please honor Phil by contributing to Immanuel UCC at the above address. The Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Shillington is assisting the Bixler family. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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