Phillip Romeo Thebarge, 94 of Norridgewock, Maine passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Redington Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan surrounded by his loving family. He passed away peacefully after a brief illness. He lived a long and full life devoted to his family, community and country.

Phillip was born on March 19, 1932 in Cornville. He was the son of John and Yvonne (Charrier) Thebarge and grew up on a farm in Smithfield. Phillip was the 4th of 7 children and the oldest son.

On September 13, 1952, Phillip married his beloved wife, Reta Arlene Witham. Together they shared 74 years of marriage and raised 4 children in Norridgewock. He was a devoted husband and father who cherished time spent with his family. Together, Phillip and Reta built a life filled with family, hard work, and many cherished memories.

Phillip proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, including service overseas in Korea during the Korean War. His military service was an important part of his life, and he remained proud of the time he spent serving his country.

Phillip devoted many years to his working life in the shoe industry. He worked for Norrwock Shoe and later for New Balance, where he became known for his hard work, friendly nature, and willingness to help others. He took pride in providing for his family and forming lasting friendships with coworkers. His strong work ethic and dedication to his family were hallmarks of his life.

Phillip found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed planting and tending his garden, camping, square dancing, and gathering with family. He also took great pride in his lawn and could often be found mowing on hot summer days. These

everyday activities brought him great satisfaction and created countless memories for those who knew and loved him.

Phillip will be remembered for his devotion to his wife and children, his quiet strength, kindness, sense of humor, and his devotion to his family, his pride in his work, his love of the outdoors, and the importance he placed on family. He cherished family gatherings and the time spent together, creating traditions and memories that will continue to live on through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His family will especially remember the many simple moments shared together and the love and guidance he gave throughout their lives.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Reta Arlene Witham; his children, Gary (Betsy) Thebarge residing in Belfast; Brian (Gwen) Thebarge residing in Oakland; Gail (Roy) Pelotte residing in Skowhegan; and Lori (Glen Jr.) Laney residing in Skowhegan.

In addition to his wife and children, Phillip is survived by his sister Mary Maxwell of Florida; brother-in-law & sister-in-law Richard and Florence Witham, Smithfield; sister-in-law Glenda Thebarge; grandchildren, Derek (Julie) Thebarge of Mechanic Falls; Kris (Lindsey) Thebarge of Sidney; Darrell (Jessica) Pelotte of Waterville; Nicholas (Sarah) Pelotte of Oakland; Megan (Nicholas) Shorey of Oakland.

Great grandchildren, Matthew (Katriana) Thebarge, Baby Thebarge, Rachael Thebarge, Ava-Jo, Brady and CJ Shorey, Dawson Pelotte, Tyler and Lexi Elliott and Kallaway Thebarge, his extended family and friends who will miss him dearly and many nieces, nephews.

Phillip was predeceased by his parents John and Yvonne (Charrier) Thebarge; sisters Lucille (Emile) LaPlante, Jeanette (Donald) LaPlante, Bernadette (Leo) Meunier, Corinne Thebarge,

brother Richard Thebarge, brother-in-law Clarence Maxwell, sister-in-law Maralyn Maxwell, brother-in-law Merle Witham & sister-in-law Elizabeth Witham.

Phillip leaves behind a lifetime of memories and the love of a family who will miss him dearly. His service to his country, dedication to his family, and years of hard work will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 11:00am located at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church in Skowhegan.

Inurnment will be later on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 1:00pm located at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery located on Civic Center Drive (143 Blue Star Avenue, Augusta, ME), with military honors in recognition of Phillip's service during the Korean War.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and staff at the Veterans Home located in Augusta, Redington Fairview General Hospital (Shanleigh) and Cedar Ridge Nursing Home (Anna) both located in Skowhegan for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Phillip Thebarge throughout his illness. Your dedication and caring made a meaningful difference to Phillip and the entire family, and they will always be deeply appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phillip's memory to the Town of Norridgewock, PO Box 7, Norridgewock, ME 04957 for a memory brick in Norridgewock’s Veterans Memorial, located in Norridgewock.