10:19 PM

I’m still somewhat in shock; my second cousin Phil passed away suddenly this past weekend. I met him at my grandmother’s funeral, and he came to my wedding.

I wish I’d known him better.

YPSILANTI — Philip David Breckel, age 54, of Ypsilanti unexpectedly passed away Saturday, March 19, 2005, at his home.

He was born July 5, 1950, in Tecumseh to August and Dorothy (Williams) Breckel. Philip was a 1968 graduate of Adrian High School. Philip served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968-1972, where he did a three-year tour of duty in Frankfort, Germany. He was involved in the Civil Air Patrol and Boy Scout Troop 32 of Birdsall. Philip retired from the Ford Motor Co. Saline plant, in February 2004.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brothers, Steven Breckel of Phoenix, Ariz., and Allen Breckel and his wife, Kathryn, of Adrian; a sister, Carol Tesch and her husband, Tim, of Adrian; nieces and nephews, Jennifer Breckel of Antioch, Calif., Kayla Breckel of Phoenix, Ariz., Katie and Christopher Breckel, Amy Watson and Gwen Elliott, all of Adrian; two great-nieces and one great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his father, August H. Breckel, Jr.; and a sister, Linda J. Kruse.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2005, at 1 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Adrian with Pastor Daryl Etheridge officiating. Burial will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh, with full military rites conducted by the Tecumseh American Legion Post #34 and the Tecumseh VFW Post #4187. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of the donor’s choice. Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home.