William Howard “Crane” Philips, Jr., age 64, of Knox, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 30, 2017 at the Clarion Hospital.

Born November 26, 1952 in New Castle, he was the son of the late William H. Philips, Sr. and Nancy Mills Philips.

He graduated from Keystone High School in 1971, where he played on the golf team.

Bill owned and operated Blauser Plumbing and Heating and Mac’s Grill prior to his illness.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed snowmobiling and golfing.

Bill was a former member of the Knox Lions Club.

Survivors include his daughter, Stephanie Olcay and her husband, Ilhan, of Atlanta, Georgia; one sister, Marilyn Slemenda of Indianapolis, Indiana and a niece and nephew: Lauren Slemenda of Reno, Nevada and Robert Slemenda of Indianapolis, Indiana.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Charles Slemenda.

Family and friends will be received from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017 in the funeral home with Reverend Karen Parsh officiating.

Interment will follow in the Knox Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be given in the name of William Howard Philips, Jr. to Camo Cares, P.O. Box 972, Knox, PA 16232 or online at www.camocares.org/donate

Online condolences may be sent to Bill’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com