Philip Levon Keirn , 75, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 4:40 a.m. Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Ashton Creek Health and Rehabilitation, Fort Wayne, where he had been a resident since January 5, 2024.

Born on July 15, 1948, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was a son of the late Clifford and Genevieve (Wolfe) Keirn.  Growing up in Thorncreek Twp., he completed Thorncreek School and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1966.  He continued his education at Purdue University, earning an associate's degree in engineering technology.

On October 24, 1998, he married Nita Dianne Gaff.  They have always made their home in rural Columbia City.

For over 18 years, Philip worked for Norfolk and Southern Railroad as a surveyor.  Enjoying driving tractor-trailers, he was a professional over-the-road driver throughout his work career.  Passionate about auto racing, he began the sport by driving drag cars.  He eventually moved to Corvette Road Racing Cars. Making his advocation his vocation, he founded his own company, Keirn Motor Sports, providing race car services, including storage, mechanical, and transportation to clients racing in the Spec Racer Ford (SRF) division of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). For a brief time, he also worked with open-wheel racing.   He earned the respect of a wide list of clientele from varying professional backgrounds by providing them with expert race car services.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nita; a stepson, Todd Herenden of Bryan, OH; and nephews, Allen Keirn and Ryan Roberson.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Keirn, and a sister, Kathy Roberson.

The funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday (July 6th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City.  Burial will be at a later date at Merriam Christian Chapel Cemetery.  Visitation is from 4 p.m. until the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Phil's honor are to the Gideon's Bibles or Destiny Rescue.