Phillip Darrell Armentrout

In the early morning of May 21, 2026, Phillip D. Armentrout’s work here on earth was done. He is now walking through the pearly gates with a jig in his step, a smile on his face, and humming Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver. Phil, affectionately known as Papaw Phil to so many, will leave a lasting impression on all his family and friends.

Phil was born in West Virginia to a circuit-riding minister and his wife. One of eight children, he moved around frequently to wherever God was calling. His parents instilled in him a love for helping others, even if it meant he went without. He graduated from high school in 1958, from a school that he said he walked uphill both ways in the snow to get to. He then went on to college for a year before entering a four-year apprenticeship. He became a certified tool and die maker and found a lifelong career using his knowledge. After nineteen years of working in Ohio, Phil packed up his family and made the trek to Mississippi. Once here in the South, he worked for and retired from Packard Electric, where he taught tool and die making.

His proudest moments were the births of his three children and his marriage to Ann Armentrout in 1989, when he also gained three more children whom he took under his wing and into his heart that very same day. His pride in his children and grandchildren was immeasurable.

He loved having adventures, even if the adventure was simply a Sunday drive. Being an honorary Girl Scout alongside his wife, his favorite Girl Scout leader, brought him great joy during retirement. He was known for his larger-than-life stories, for making up songs that he swore were real, and for his immense talent for building just about anything. He was also the biggest cheerleader at whatever activities his grandchildren were participating in. Several years ago, Phil and Ann started “Family Night Dinner” every Wednesday night and so began his new adventure of being a chef. He loved coming up with recipes and trying new things. While he had a few not-so-great experiments, more than anything, he loved sitting around the table fellowshipping with the people he loved.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Lonnie and Velva Armentrout; brothers, Larry, Rod and David Armentrout; sisters, Beverly Fahrion, Georgia Rolman and Betty Posey.

His is survived by his loving wife Ann Armentrout; children, Chuck (Jaya) Armentrout, Kim (Jimmy) Keen, Darrell (Jennifer) Armentrout, Tricia (Chris) Thistle, Lisa (Carl) Renfroe and Edward (Amber) Raymond; grandchildren, Brett Keen, Nichole (Devin) Travis, Matthew Tomshe, David Tomshe, Jackie (Korey ) Nelson, Will Herrington, Cole Herrington, Connor Thistle, Ryan Thistle, Koen Armentrout, Delaney Armentrout, Rylee Raymond, Taylor Raymond and Tara Armentrout; great grandchild Jett Neslon and another on the way.

The family would like to thank Debra, Annie, and Kevin for the care they lovingly provided to us.

If you feel led to make a donation in Phil’s memory, he requested donations be made to any outreach program of Marvin United Methodist Church.