Philemon Greenhawk

Philemon Carroll Greenhawk joined our Lord on Saturday July 27, 2013, at Chesapeake Woods Center, succumbing to a long fought battle with Alzheimers. He is missed and loved by all his family and friends, and we thank him for all his service to his Community. Phil was born to Willard James Wesley Greenhawk and Lida Mae Connolly on August 5, 1935. Phil started his military career as a Private in the 115th MD National Guard in July 1953. Six months later, he joined the US Air Force as an air policeman and assigned to the Air Force Honor Guard at Bolling Air Force Base. In mid-1955, he was stationed at Eieleson Air Force Base with top security status when Alaska was still a territory, and completed his tour with the 5010th Air Police unit. After his release from active duty, he joined an Air Reserve unit in Easton which moved to Glenn L. Martin in Middle River. The reserve unit deactivated in 1964, and he joined the Air Police in MDANG’s 135th Combat Support Squadron, attaining rank of first sergeant, then Chief Master Sergeant. As Command Chief Master Sergeant, he administered to the needs of both the 135th Tactical Airlift Group but also the 175th Tactical Fighter Group. He retired at the mandatory requirement age in 1995, with almost 42 years of service and would have gone back at any time as he loved serving. Phil was instrumental in co-founding the National Immune Deficiency Foundation as he lost two sons to this primary immunodeficiency disease which creates many varieties of hardship to children born with immune deficiencies. Phil also gave back in many ways to his community, serving as an officer of the Oxford Planning and Zoning, the Oxford Appeals Board, and the longest total service as Town Commissioner since 1899, working from 1982-1984 and 1990-2002. He was an usher at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Roman Catholic Church. Phil was a 60-year life member of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Company, serving on the medical and fire fighting sides, holding most of the officer positions and administration as President for many years. He also was former Chair of the Talbot County Fire Association as well as Fire Fighters Hall of Fame for Talbot County and Eastern Shore Associations. Phil had many interests through the years, leading Boy Scout Troops, taming horses, boxing in the military as well as attaining Sharp Shooter status, being a teller at Talbot Bank in his early years, and working as a traveling salesman with Easton Wholesale and Oceana before retiring. Phil loved to hunt and fish. He also loved racing log canoes and Bermuda ocean racing. He was a member of the Easton Elks and Knights of Columbus. He was an Honorary Member of the Oxford Ladies Auxiliary and the Oxford Foxy Ladies Red Hatters as he attended all the functions with his wife. He became our resident rooster in the hen house. Phil is survived by his wife, Connie Schwaninger; daughters, Lawrie Dudley (Wick), Dale Jafari (Reza), Stacey Anderson (Ron); sons, Mike Greenhawk (Kelly) and Brian Greenhawk (Mindy); stepson, Samuel “Butch” Townsend (Lisa); grandchildren, Elizabeth & Wick Dudley, Jason (Karen), Kaelon (Melissa), Logan Reddish, Catherine Greenhawk, Mike & Ashlea Greenhawk, Sean & Megan Greenhawk; step-grandchildren, Phillip & Matt Paul, Jack & Samantha Townsend; aunts Jackie Smith & Doris Greenhawk; and many cousins. Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by Philemon Jr. & Kelly Patrick; aunts Peg, Kathleen, Mabel, Doris and Jean; and uncles Roland, Frank, and Granville. Friends may call on Friday, August 2, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., in Easton. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2013, at 2 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Easton. Burial will be at Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Oxford Volunteer Fire Dept., 300 Oxford Rd., Oxford, MD, 21654, to honor a great man.

Philemon Greenhawk

August 5, 1935 - July 27, 2013