Philip “Phil” Edward Sherer, 77 of Crestline entered into the Gates of Heaven on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Phil was born in Papua, New Guinea on April 1, 1948, to the late Russell and Ruth (Hirth) Sherer who were serving as missionaries with the Lutheran Church at the time. Phil had fond memories of his childhood growing up on the mission field. The family returned to Crestline in 1960. One of his most memorable experiences as a teen was going to Hershey, PA. to play in the 1963 Teener League Championship.

Phil was a proud graduate and 4-year varsity letterman at Colonel Crawford High School, Class of 1966. He continued his education at the US Coast Guard Academy, graduating in 1970. In his 3rd year(1969), he set an Academy batting record for a junior at .418 earning the Big Stick Award. Upon graduation he spent the summer playing baseball and sharing his faith in several South and Central American countries with Venture for Victory. He later earned a Master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1983.

On November 1, 1980, Phil married Faye(Langert) whom he met while attending Faith Lutheran Church in Detroit. Besides commanding a new icebreaker, he also achieved a private pilot’s license with single and multi engine ratings. He then completed a Flight Instructor Course and Faye became his first student. They often flew from Detroit to Galion to visit family. Their mutual love for adventure and God would sustain them through 44 years of marriage. Faye survives in Crestline.

Phil dedicated 24 years of honorable service as a Cutterman in the United States Coast Guard, 11 of which he served at sea. In his long tenured career Phil had the honor of serving as the first Commanding Officer of the newly commissioned USCGC BRISTOL BAY stationed in Detroit, Michigan, and later as the Commanding Officer of the USCGC STORIS stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, retiring as a respected leader in August of 1994.

Throughout his military career, he mentored countless young service members, always leading with wisdom, integrity, and care.

Following his retirement, Phil’s passion for teaching and helping others led him to a second calling in education. He served as a substitute teacher in mathematics and science at both middle and high school levels. Teaching also GED classes through Job and Family Services and at the Crawford County Jail – helping individuals build brighter futures.

Always up for an adventure, Phil’s teaching career took his family overseas, as he taught Algebra I & II and Geometry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, enriching the lives of his students there.

A man of unwavering faith and trust in God, Phil and his beloved wife, Faye, were active members of Galion Alliance Church where he served as church Treasurer and helped maintain the grounds. They were always ready to serve their church and community with open hearts.

Known affectionately as “Captphil” among his fellow Geocachers, Phil found a hobby in retirement years to put his navigational skills to use. He achieved the rare feat of completing the Cache Across America Challenge finding a specific geocache in all 50 states, embracing each search with joy, curiosity, and a zest for life.

Phil will be remembered for his steadfast service, his passion for teaching and mentoring, his faith-filled heart, and his adventurous spirit. He touched countless lives through both his words and actions, leaving a lasting imprint on all who knew him.

In addition to his wife Faye, Phil’s memories will be cherished by his children: Jesse (Julie) Sherer of Rossville, KS, Josh (Janine Curcio) Sherer of Columbus, Adam (Kerry) Sherer of Troy, MI, Paul (Amy) Sherer of Galion, Rachel Sherer of Crestline, Dan (Emily) Sherer of Bowling Green, and Ruthanne (Eric) Beerbower of Avon, IN siblings: Angela (Dave) Tietz of Georgetown, TX, Monica (Mahlon) Ray of Upper Arlington, and Nate Sherer of Crestline; sister-in-law Deidre (David) Sherer of Crestline, and 18 grandchildren.

Phil was welcomed home on Sunday, June 8 by his parents Russell and Ruth Sherer, and brother David Sherer who all preceded him in death.

A celebration of Phil’s life is being held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Galion Alliance Church, 430 Portland Way North, Galion, Ohio, 44833.

Memorial Contributions can be made either to Tunnels to Towers, or the Galion Alliance Church designated to the Great Commission Fund which supports Missionaries globally.

Those wishing to share a memory of Phil or send condolences to the Sherer family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.

The Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Philip “Phil” Edward Sherer.

Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service

Website: www.masfh.com