Pastor Philip Duane Jellison, age 75, a resident of Portland, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Phill was born on December 2, 1950, in Portland, Indiana, the son of Armond W. Jellison, Jr. and Rosemary (Taylor) Jellison. He graduated from Portland High School and devoted his life to serving both his community and his faith.

Phill had a heart for caring for others and was deeply involved in the Jay County community. He founded the Jayland Homeless Shelter and Compassion Network to minister to those in need. He was also the founder of Payless Pizza in Portland.

His greatest passion was sharing the Gospel. Phill faithfully served as pastor of The Gospel Lighthouse in Portland from 1977 until 2018, where he touched countless lives through his ministry. In addition to his pastoral work, he was the author of 30 Years of Revival Meetings in Jay County, Speaking in Tongues, and What a Mighty God!.

Survivors include:

His children: Andy Jellison (wife Sarah) – New Haven, Indiana

Esther Locker (husband AJ) – Dunkirk, Indiana

Sarah Jellison – Portland, Indiana

Taylor Jellison (wife Taylor) – Portland, Indiana

1 brother: Terry Jellison – Portland, Indiana

9 grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, Armond and Rosemary Jellison; 2 sons, Kerry and Rob Jellison; and a brother, Rev. Wendell Jellison.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., July 8, 2026, at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Services to celebrate Phill’s life will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Andy Jellison will officiate and burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery, southeast of Portland.