Phillip John Harrington Sr.

Phillip J. Harrington Phillip J. Harrington, 84, of Marshall died on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Medilodge of Marshall following a brief illness.

Born January 19, 1937 in Marshall, Phil was the fifth of seven children born to Donald and Madelyn (Vandenheede) Harrington.  A lifelong resident of Marshall, he attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Marshall High School in 1955.  He married Mickey Ekdahl in 1956, with whom he had two children, Phillip Jr. and Steven.

After working during his school days at his father’s popular restaurant, The Rex, located across from the old Eatons, his career spanned Engineering Castings and Western Auto, later spending the bulk of his career as an exterminator for Orkin, Rose, and ultimately his own firm, Harrington Pest Control.

His passion was playing Marshall recreational basketball and slow and fast pitch softball, including as a member and standout first baseman on the legendary teams from the 1960’s and ‘70’s, including Redfield Bros., Wigent Bros., and Stanley Meatpacking.  His other passion was watching his two sons compete in high school athletics, rarely missing an event or game.  His son Phil recalls his dad dutifully taking him to early morning basketball practices at Madison Junior High School. Steven remembers his father carrying a 10 lb. VHS recorder usually standing in the way at the 1-mile marker during his cross-country meets.

On October 29, 1988, he married Joann J. Altergott-Walterhouse in Marshall.  Together they traveled extensively across the U.S., especially enjoying the Mountain West during numerous car and train trips (Phil was no fan of flying!).  When not traveling, Joann and Phil enjoyed quiet times with their family, many beloved pets, and a backyard menagerie of wildlife.

He is survived by his wife Joann; sons Phillip (Kathie) Harrington, Jr. and Steven (Jennifer) Harrington, and stepson Kenneth (Judy) Walterhouse; his sister, Susan Fhaner (David) and brother, Paul Harrington; several grandchildren, a newly born great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Donald, Carolyn, Jerry, and Mary, and a stepson, Michael Walterhouse.

A graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Oakridge Cemetery, 614 Homer Road, Marshall MI 49068 with Reverend James Codde officiating.  Memorial contributions are requested to the Humane Society of South-Central Michigan. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf family Funeral and Cremation Services.  Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com