Philip "Phil" S. Bright

Philip S. Bright, 91, of Mansfield, left this life on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, to begin his new life in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Phil was born on July 24, 1930, in Topeka, Kansas, to George and Edna (McAfee) Bright. His family moved to Lucas, Ohio when he was a young child and he graduated from Lucas High School in 1949.  He married Jean (Maurer) Matthes in 1959 and they celebrated 62 years together last May.

Phil had a great love for his family and their wellbeing, at times working two full-time jobs to provide for them.  He worked at several factories and retired from Shafer Valve in 1996. After retiring, he spent many hours helping his elderly neighbors keep their lawns looking as beautiful as his own.  He truly had a servant’s heart and loved to share his love for the Lord.

Phil previously was a member of Woodville GBC and Mansfield Baptist Temple where he used his beautiful bass voice to sing in the choir and many solos.

Along with his sweet, loving wife, Jean, Phil leaves behind a loving family of five children, Jim (Ramona) Matthes, John (Sandra) Matthes, Laurie Simmons, Steve (Dawn) Bright, and Curtiss (Jennifer) Bush; sister-in-law, Eleanor Hamilton, numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and long-time friend, Dick “Buford/Hubert” Dickerson.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents and two children, Randy Bush and Charmaine Mosier. He and Jean also had two premature babies that preceded him, who he is surely embracing now. Also preceding him in death are two brothers, George Bright and John (Helen) Bright; two brothers-in-law Jack (Alma) Maurer and Richard Hamilton; and niece Judy (Barry) Phagen.

Calling hours will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2022, at Werner Gompf Funeral Services, ltd, 1106 Park Ave. East, Mansfield. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with his son, Steve Bright officiating. Burial will be in Mansfield Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations be made to a young missionary couple Phil especially loved and supported. Eric and Marci Asp, C/O Reliant Mission, 11002 Lake Hart Drive, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832.

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