Phillip H. Ely III

Phillip Hyler Ely III 76, of Bedford, died on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Victoria House at Spring House Estates due to renal failures and complications with cancer. Phil was born July 8, 1945, in Bedford a son of the late Phillip “Doc” H. and Vera (Housel) Ely II.  On August 6, 1966 in Bedford he married his high school sweetheart Glenda Sue (Streett) Ely who preceded him in death on July 15, 2020.  Phil is survived by his two children; a son Phillip Wayne Ely and wife Kathleen of Ashburn, VA; a daughter Karen Sue Anderson and husband Glenn “Buddy” Anderson of Bedford; three grandchildren, Aspen, Aiden, and Easton Anderson; and a sister Ruth Nouse widow of Gary of Bedford.

Phil graduated from Bedford High School in 1963, and in 1966 enlisted into the US Army. His military service obligation assigned him to the artillery division located at Fort Knox, KY. This military base serves as the armed mechanized Cavalry and Armored force regiment for both the Army and the Marine Corps to train crews on the American tanks of the day; the last was the M1 Abrams main battle tank. He retired with an honorable discharge in 1971.  Phil was employed with New Enterprise Stone and Lime, Ashcom plant for 38 years. Phil operated heavy machinery and held multiple positions including driving a Ready-Mix Concrete mixer. He enjoyed the scenery and meeting people as he provided exceptional service to those residents across the Bedford and surrounding counties. He retired in 2008.  In 1962, Phil joined the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department. He was a Life Member who participated and engaged on thousands of calls over the span of 60 years. Phil was skilled at operating an assortment of fire apparatus and held the position of Chief Engineer for 15 years. An avid hunter, Phil had the pleasure of hunting throughout the valley in Centerville which he considered the highlight of every year. On occasion he and friends would travel to Montana and the neighboring states to hunt large game where countless stories unfolded. In the summer time he enjoyed spending time with his family boating, fishing, and water skiing on Raystown Lake. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Pastor Brady Plummer officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park with military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Friday from 4-8 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  Those wishing may make contributions in Phil’s name to: Bedford Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 655, Bedford, PA 15522.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.