Phillip Exler Sperling

Phillip Drexler Sperling
March 24, 1918 - June 3, 2015
Independence - Phillip Sperling passed away on June 3, 2015 at the age of 97. He was born March 24, 1918 in Salem OR to Herman and Odelia (Drexler) Sperling. He attended Parker School until he went to Independence High School, graduating in 1936. Phillip was the oldest to attend the Independence all class reunions each year.
On November 1, 1941, Phillip married Delia Moreland in Independence Oregon. At that time he was a teller at the bank in Independence. In 1944, they moved out to the farm south of Independence. They were married for almost 65 years, and had 5 children.
Phillip was a farmer most of his life in South of Independence OR. He was a mechanic who worked on Ford Edsels, diesel trucks and tractors. Besides farming he also did some logging and electrical work.
Phillip and his wife Delia had a habit of buying Ford Edsel cars. He said it's been a pleasurable addition and a poor man's hobby and a barrel of fun to belong to the Edsel Club of 35+ members.
The first Edsel was a green 59 ranger purchased in 1963. Phillip called some Edsels a lemon with a prune nose, with a horse collar shaped center grill. He had a total of 60+ Edsels on his Edsel Farm behind the farm house.
In addition to being a founding member to the Oregon Chapter Edsel Owner Club from the 70's to present, Phillip was also a member of Farmers Union and Mary's River Grange, and served as Rural Fire Chief of Polk County.
Phillip enjoyed going to the Brooks Steam Engine exhibit with his friends for many years. He liked to go for rides and preferred to go to forest and county. He wasn't much for the big cities, and he was very much a loyal farmer. Later in years he and his wife would have a garden and do a lot of canning, his favorite was making jam and jelly to give to family and friends.
He had many old and young friends and family who meant a lot to him, he would always take the time to talk to everyone.
Phillip was preceded in death by his wife Delia Sperling in 2006 and daughter Kay Ann Vrell in 2007. He is survived by daughter Marjorie Garner (Ves) of Vale OR; daughter Marilyn Boyer-Kern (Dennis) of Albany OR; son Frank Sperling (Anna) of Madras OR; son Wendell Sperling (Sherry) of Independence OR; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Independence City Hall basement rooms, 555 S. Main Street, Independence. The entrance is in the back basement door. Phillip wanted a very casual Celebration of Life, with everyone wearing overalls or jeans. Food was also important to him and he wanted everyone to know that there will be food at the Celebration of Life. He also said to ask anyone who wants to speak or say a word about him but only if it is good and can be laughed about.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Independence Gleaners, Attn: Angie Amos, 307 I Street, Independence, OR 97351.
Arrangements are in the care of Farnstrom Mortuary. Please share your memories and condolences with the family at FarnstromMortuary.com.