Rev. Phillip ‘Phil’ C. Appenzeller was born on May 20, 1942, in South Haven, Michigan, one of three children to George and Margaret (Butler) Appenzeller. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 17, 2026, at the age of 84. Phil was a graduate of South Haven, Michigan High School and continued his education at Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology. Phil served as a children’s evangelist and during his ministry, pastored three churches. He served as pastor in Fennville, Michigan, St. Joseph, Michigan, and Sullivan, Missouri before moving to Neosho in 1990 where he served as associate pastor at the Abundant Life Church. In 1998, he was called to Wills Point, Texas, and pastored there until 2008. He returned to Neosho in 2008 from Texas to spend his retirement. Phil was an active member of the Abundant Life Church. Phil was an accomplished ventriloquist and used that talent in his ministry, sharing the gospel with many, especially children, both in the United States and overseas. On October 3, 1964, in Springfield, Missouri, Phil and Anna (Mitchell) were united in marriage and shared sixty-one years together. In addition to his wife, Phil is survived by a son, Phillip Appenzeller, Jr. and wife, Rhonda of Dallas, TX; four grandsons, Brock Appenzeller and wife, Katie, Zack Appenzeller, Joshua Appenzeller and Jonathan, one great granddaughter, Allie Rae Appenzeller. He is preceded in death by a son in 2021, Mark Appenzeller; his parents, one brother, Bruce Appenzeller and one sister, Janet Lull.

Contributions in honor of Phil may be made to the Abundant Life Church, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66, Neosho, Missouri 64850.