Philip Lloyd Van Eck passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at home with family by his side. He was 96.
He was born on Aug. 3, 1928, in Ferndale, Michigan to Maynard Sr. and Grace Vander Zaag Van Eck. He graduated from Royal Oak High School in 1947.
He had many jobs after school: delivering milk to homes, appliances for Witbeck Appliance and electrical supplies for Lesko Warehouse until he took a civil service test to become a water serviceman for the City of Royal Oak. He retired in Aug. 1983 after more than 31 years.
He met the love of his life Doris Price Silvey at Baker's Pharmacy on Main Street in Royal Oak. They were married Aug. 30, 1952. They were together for over 62 years until Doris passed away in May, 2014.
After retiring, he and Doris moved to the Macedonia Community and built their retirement home. They were active in the Maxeys community and the Maxeys Christian Church, where he was treasurer for many years.
He is survived by two daughters, Susan Van Eck and Linda (Sid) Graves, two sons, Donald Silvey and Gerald (Ann) Silvey; and a sister, Thelma Vernier. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his parents; six brothers: James, Donald, Erwin, Lester, Gerald, and Maynard, Jr.; one sister, Joyce DeVries; and one grandson, Donnie Silvey.
Services will be held at the Maxeys Christian Church at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, with visitation one hour preceding the service.
Interment will be at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.
A luncheon after the service will be at the Macedonia Baptist Church Fellowship Hall across from the Macedonia Church cemetery.
McCommons Funeral Home in Greensboro is in charge of arrangements.