Philip E. TILLMAN

TILLMAN, PERRY, HAINES, BROOKS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/10/2010 at 19:44:02

February 8, 1919 -- October 4, 2010

Philip E. Tillman was born in rural Wright County, Iowa, on February 8, 1919. He died October 4, 2010 in Riverside, California. He graduated from Clarion High School in 1936. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1941, attending boot camp in San Diego. He then attended radio school, and thereafter transferred to the parachute troops. In World War II he served with the 2nd Marine Division 2nd Paratroop Battalion seeing action in Bougainville and Vella Lavelia. He eventually moved to Hawaii as a member of the 5th Marine Division which for 9 months prepared for the landing on Iwo Jima. During the invasion of Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, he was wounded in both legs by enemy fire. For the time he served overseas, Phil was awarded the American Theater, Asiatic-Pacific Theater (3 stars), Presidential Unit Citation (1 star), American Defense ribbons, and the Purple Heart. Following the war, Phil moved to Riverside to become a founding partner of Brunton-Tillman Optical company in 1946. That same year he met and married Arlene Perry, with whom he would have celebrated his 64th wedding anniversary on October 6, 2010. He continued in the optical profession and later was the Optical Manager at the Riverside Medical Clinic, retiring in 1987. An avid horseman, he participated in many rides with the De Anza Trail Caballeros, and was a past member of the Riverside Rancheros. He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled Veterans. In addition to his wife, Arlene, he is survived by his son, Dr. Philip C. Tillman of Arroyo Grande; daughter, Dr. Carol Tillman of Riverside; brother, Kay Tillman; sisters-in-law, Lorene Haines and Evelyn Tillman, all of Riverside. He has 2 grandchildren, Ian Tillman of Davis, and Jean Tillman of Huntington Beach. Also 4 great-grandchildren, Max and Maggie Tillman of Davis, and Joseph and Sophia Brooks of Huntington Beach. Also many nieces and nephews who will hold "Uncle Phil" forever in their hearts. Services will be Wed., 10/13, 2010 at 10:30am at Acheson & Graham with burial at Riverside National Cemetery at 12:15PM. Arrangements under the direction of Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary.

Press-Enterprise, Riverside, California
October 10, 2010