Philip Weston Brach

Philip Weston Brach, born March 27, 1935, passed away on April 8. Philip was born and raised in Thomson and graduated from York Community High School in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956 and received an honorable discharge in January 1960. During his term of service, Philip spent a year in Saudi Arabia.

After returning to Thomson, Philip coached Little League baseball for several years, and was a generous sponsor. Philip worked at the Elkay factory in Savanna for 10 years. He was a Thomson Lions Club member and was a 50-year member of the Fulton Masonic Lodge. A gifted vocalist, Philip enjoyed singing at the York Baptist Church, where he was a devoted lifelong member. He also joined other choirs on special occasions and was honored to sing the National Anthem at every "at home" Thomson High School basketball game.

In addition to his church, Philip was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs. He was thrilled when Michael Foltz took him to Wrigley Field in 1989 with field passes. Standing in the infield at Wrigley and meeting Harry Carey was a highlight of Philip's life.

Survivors include: one aunt, Beth (Gilbert) Holland, three first cousins Walter (Diana) Holland, Marcia Holland McWilliams, and Geraldine Bealer.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Mildred Brach, one aunt Marian Holland Smith and two uncles Gilbert and Robert Holland.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, 2018 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Thomson, with full military rites to follow the service at the Thomson Veterans Memorial. Burial of his cremated remains will take place in the Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00–3:00 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Philip’s memory to the York Baptist Church, or the Thomson Youth Baseball Association.