Phillip M. Bobo passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 15, 2024. He was born April 18, 1942, to the late Robert A. and Anna Catherine (Chappel) Bobo. On June 9, 1968, he married the former Karen Jane “Janie” Mitten, who preceded him in death on August 4, 2007.
He is survived by his daughters; Krin (Tim) Woodbridge, Kelli (Tom) Kitchen, Kara (Ryan) Stump; his grandchildren Taylor (Cory) Bush, Brayden “Brady” Woodbridge, Kellen Kitchen, Wesson Stump, Everlyn Stump and great-grandson Greyson Bush. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy (Fred) Seymour, sister-in-law Sue Bobo, and his wife’s family; sister-in-law Nancy Chenault, brothers-in-law Rick (Regina) Mitten, Larry (Ruth) Mitten, Gary (Janet) Mitten, Joe (Shirley) Mitten and a host of nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his lifelong friend, Mike Armstrong and dear friends, Mel and Patti Smith and their son Curt, who was like a son to him. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Bobo.
Phil was a member of the Charleston Church of the Brethren and often attended the First United Methodist Church. Phil grew up on his family farm in Shade, Ohio before moving to Chillicothe during his teenage years. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1960 and from Ohio University in 1965. He taught one year at Southeastern before moving to Athens High School from 1966-1975. During his tenure at Athens, he taught, coached track, and established the cross-country program there. After serving as athletic director from 1971-1975, he returned to Chillicothe High School to teach and coach alongside his father. In 1982, he took over the reins of the Chillicothe Boys track and field program where he was head coach until 1992. After retiring from Chillicothe City Schools, Phil worked as a teacher at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute. In 1998, he was inducted into the Athens High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was then inducted into the Chillicothe High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. Phil and his father impacted many lives through their teaching and coaching. The Bobo legacy lasted nearly 4 decades. In honor of that dedication, the Chillicothe High School track was named after him and his father, Robert. Because of the impact that Phil and his father had on many athletes, a memorial rock was dedicated with the inscription: “These men made men. Many athletes grew up on this track but they were never measured by time or distance.”
Phil held many roles during his lifetime, but his greatest role was that of grandfather.
The family would like to thank National Church Residences of Waverly, the Ohio State James Hospital, and Eileen Doyle for their assistance during this difficult time.
His funeral service will be held at 1pm Wednesday, January 24, at the Haller Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Mel Smith officiating. Private burial will take place in Dunkard Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 4-8pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Atomic Credit Union, 1285 Western Avenue, Chillicothe - ℅ P. Bobo Community Fund to help students and athletes in the Chillicothe City School district.
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