Philipe "Phil" J. Esselburn, 62, of Montpelier passed away Thursday night at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  He was born on May 10, 1958 in LaRochelle, France to DeWayne L. and Ginette R. (Naud) Esselburn.  Phil graduated from DeKalb High School in Auburn, Indiana.  On November 14, 1998 he married Patricia "Pat" E. Freymuth in Tennessee and she survives.

Phil was a member of the House of Prayer in Montpelier.  He drove truck for 20/20 Plastics in Montpelier for 2 years, before retiring in 2018.  Prior to that he drove for various trucking firms traveling throughout the United States since the age of 16.  Phil loved to fish and enjoyed flower gardening, calling it "God's Garden."

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Pat; Parents DeWayne and Ginette Esselburn of Pleasant Lake, Indiana; sons Adam (Jessica) Esselburn of Vaneta, Oregon, Bradley J. (Jessica) Esselburn of Criswell, Oregon, Andrew Esselburn of Eugene, Oregon, Cody (Kristina) Esselburn of Pleasant Hill, Oregon; stepchildren Angela Carter of Comersville, Tennessee, Shawn (Daphene) Girts of Lewisburg, Tennessee, Lucritia Beaver of Fayetteville, Tennessee; fourteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren; brother Larry (Shirley) Esselburn of Angola, Indiana; and sister Linda Fraley of Hamilton, Indiana.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 14th at 4pm at the House of Prayer in Montpelier.  His grandson Austin Girts and Pastor Don Harris will officiate.  Memorial contributions may be given to Helping Hands Food Pantry.