Philip Austen Deamer, age 87, born in Wilmington, Delaware, on January 23, 1937, passed away peacefully in Dover, Delaware, on September 22, 2024. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
Philip is survived by his daughter, Susan Elizabeth Deamer, and her daughter Bella Lavender Horch. He also leaves behind four stepchildren: Rhesa Lea Townley and her husband Dana, Randall Walton Smith, Donald William Smith and his wife Cindy, and Kristal Lynn Taylor and her husband Russell. Philip was a proud grandfather to 22 grandchildren, 87 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Cynthia (Deamer) Brice and Barbara (Deamer) Marker.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years, Virginia (Ginger) Deamer, and his brother, Jeffrey Deamer.
Philip served as an airman in the Air National Guard, based in New Castle, DE for 8 years. In 1974, he achieved a lifelong dream by earning his pilot's license. Philip had a passion for traveling and spent many years as a long-haul truck driver for Playtex and AJ Williams, driving through 48 states. He retired from Bruce Industrial in 2007. Together with his wife, he traveled to 49 out of the 50 states and explored destinations in Europe, Alaska, Venezuela, and the Caribbean. Eventually, they would get an RV and travel the roads, visiting new grandchildren and attending family graduations and weddings.
In the 1980s, Philip was a local clown in the parades, known as Skippy the Clown. He was also a baseball coach and a Cub Scout leader. He had a great sense of humor, always joking and laughing. He loved his family and friends deeply. Philip cherished dinners out with friends on Friday nights, hanging out at the Smyrna Airport, flying to breakfast on Sundays, and being winter work campers at their favorite spot, Alamo Palms in Texas.
Philip was one of a kind. He enjoyed photography, gardening, and woodworking in his shop. His adventurous spirit, sense of humor, and love for his family and friends will be remembered by all who knew him. He lived a full and vibrant life, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.