FARMINGTON – Phillips H. Durrell, 87, of Jay, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side, Friday, Jan. 5, at the Sandy River Center for Health and Rehabilitation.

He was born in Wilton, July 6, 1919, a son of Durwood L. and Freda Mitchell Durrell.

He received his education in Wilton schools and graduated from Wilton Academy in the class of 1937, where he was an outstanding athlete and particularly loved ice hockey.

He served in World War II in the U.S. Army from August 1941 to December 1945, and was stationed in England during the bombing of 1944.

On Dec. 24, 1947, he married the love of his life, Evelyn (Donald) Durrell.

He was a shoe worker most of his life.

He was also an avid reader and enjoyed refinishing and caning chairs. He absolutely enjoyed walking and spending time with his family.

He was a member of Bartlett Methodist Church of North Jay.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Evelyn of North Jay; three daughters, Judy Gidney and her husband, Ray, of Windsor, Diane Durrell of Winslow, and Fran Spiotta and her husband, Mike, of Jay; five grandchildren, Karen Gidney and her life companion, Lisa Starks, of Cherryfield, Chris Gidney and his wife, Sandy, of Palermo, Ryan Newgard and his wife, Danielle, of Winslow, Patrick Spiotta and his fiancée, Melody Dyer, of North Jay, and Adam Spiotta and his fiancée, Erica Johnson of Jay; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Durward Durrell Jr. and his wife, “Gerry,” of South China.

He was predeceased by three brothers, infant Leon, Herbie, and Harold Durrell.