George Walter Phares Jr.

George (Geo) Walter Phares, Jr., 61, of Shelbyville, Indiana passed away Monday, September 4, 2023, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. 

Born March 29, 1962, in Shelbyville, Indiana, he was the son of Jewel Anne (Robbins) and George W. Phares, Sr.  He married Corinna Ann DeBaun on April 25, 1987. 

Survivors include his wife; sons George W. Phares, III of Shelbyville, Indiana; Michael A. Coons of Sistersville, West Virginia; and Terry B. (wife, Niki) Coons of Shelbyville, Indiana; sisters Pamela K. McGee of Shelbyville, Indiana; and Tricia L. Cathcart of Indiana; brothers Charles B. (wife, Teresa) Phares of Clinton, Missouri; Todd A. Phares, Sr. of Missouri, eleven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, one great-granddaughter on the way, several nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Oscar. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Tara Ashton Phares, from his previous marriage to Laurie Woods.

George previously drove a truck for Dant Transportation and in recent years he owned and operated Splendid Enterprises in Shelbyville, Indiana.  George frequently attended and supported the Grace Wesleyan Church and the First Church of the Nazarene in Shelbyville, amongst other churches.  George was also the founder and President of the Shelbyville Chapter of Iron Sharpens Iron Motorcycle Ministry (“ISIMM”).  As part of ISIMM, George put together the first Inaugural Ride to Decide, a benefit motorcycle ride that occurred on May 27, 2023, that raised $3,200.00 for the local Salvation Army. 

George enjoyed giving back to his community and church families.  He loved riding motorcycles and frequently participated in motorcycle rides benefiting a number of causes close to his heart.  George also delighted in singing for the church congregation and donating his time to the church.  As part of his Splendid Enterprises business, George took great pride in maintaining the St. Paul Cemetery and other various landscaping projects.  George was also a handyman and could build just about anything from wood including tables, cabinets, rocking horses and “time out” chairs for his grandchildren. George was a family man and enjoyed the little things such as surprising Corrina, pushing the grandbabies on swings, giving everyone special nicknames, and family dinners.

George was widely known and highly thought of throughout the community.  He will be greatly missed.  The family plans to hold a celebration of life in George’s honor at the First Church of the Nazarene, located at 2315 S. Riley Highway, Shelbyville, IN 46176, on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. 

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family or to Iron Sharpens Iron Motorcycle Ministry.

Online condolences may be shared with George’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.