71-year-old Philip Eugene Sefton of Xenia, passed away at home on the afternoon of July 9, from complications of lung fibrosis, a disease often referred to as “farmer’s lung.” Just the day before, Phil had been released from the rehabilitation unit of Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, following a three-week stay.
The son of Edna Mae Porter and Byron Sefton, Phil was born in Effingham, on February 25, 1949. In 1967, he was graduated from Flora High School, where he received the outstanding agricultural student award. Before high school graduation, however, upon the death of his father, Phil assumed responsibility for running the family farm alongside his mother, Edna.
At age 22, on April 9, 1971, Phil married Kathy Lynn Colclasure. Over their 49 years of marriage, Phil and Kathy together built a successful farming business and cattle operation. Simultaneously, Phil and Kathy raised two hardworking children—Jeremy Sefton and Shelli Slifer—who have, in turn, given them four rambunctious and farm-minded grandchildren. In Phil’s absence, Jeremy will continue to run the family farm, now in its fourth generation, alongside Kathy, son-in-law Chris Slifer, and grandson, Thomas.
In addition to the land, Phil loved many things during his life: family, neighbors, sharing time with cherished friends, livestock, playing practical jokes, and traveling a bit through the Western US. His character can be captured in a few adjectives: hardworking, loyal, prepared, private, smart, honest, and a tad ornery.
Preceding Phil in death were his parents: Byron and Edna Mae Sefton; mother- and father-in-law: Dorothy and Paul Colclasure; and many aunts and uncles.
Phil is survived by his wife, Kathy; son Jeremy Sefton of Xenia; daughter Shelli Slifer (Chris) of Mode; four grandchildren: Gracie, Mollie, & Thomas Slifer and Levi Sefton; two sisters: Janis Hubble (Steve) of Meridian, Idaho, and Mary Saras (Paul) of Boise, Idaho; one aunt: Bernita Porter of Louisville, and special “adopted” family member: Carissa McCulley.
Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at the Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. A graveside ceremony will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Oskaloosa Cemetery. Phil’s pastor, Bruce Horsley, from Xenia Community Church will officiate. Those attending are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Burial will follow in the Oskaloosa Cemetery, where Phil will be interred alongside his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to either Flora FFA, Clay County 4H, or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation; donation envelopes will be accepted at the funeral home.
At the request of the family, observing social distancing guidelines is recommended during all gatherings. Visitors arriving at the Tuesday visitation will be asked to have a very brief temperature scan performed and masks will be available. The family wishes to express their gracious understanding to those who would normally express condolences in person by attending the visitation or ceremony, but may choose not to at this time. An online guestbook is available at: www.frankandbright.com
During his final months, Phil’s spirits were buoyed by the outpouring of kindness from friends and family members. His family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all who visited, called, prayed, sent cards and food, took Phil for drives, and helped on the farm. A very special thank you goes to Phil’s son-in-law, Chris, and grandson, Thomas, for stepping in to help Jeremy and Kathy keep the farm running.