Phillip Eugene Stalling, Sr., 81 of Newark passed away on July 15, 2026 at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital. He was born on November 9, 1944 in Newark, OH to the late Hershell and Phyllis (Hoyt) Stalling, Sr. Phil was the eldest of a large family and wore the title like a badge of honor.

Anyone who knew Phil knew his first love was cars. He was a man that could tune an engine by ear, and recognize the year, make, and model of any car simply by glimpsing a grille, a headlight, or a quarter panel. His expertise made him one of the premier classic car salesmen and appraisers in the Midwest. His love started with a Humble gas station in the late 1960s and ended with a thriving dealership that he operated for over 50 years; the best of which he operated alongside his son and brothers. However, he may be most known for his ingenuity on the side of the road. No matter the auto ailment, Phil could come to your aid with a wrench, a battery pack, or an occasional coat hanger, and send you on your way. He was an active member of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, International Automobile Appraisers Association, and was a participant in the 1998 Great American Race.

Beyond his love of horsepower, Phil’s first matter of business was his family. He was a constant and quiet support in the low times, and a cheerleader and advocate in the best of times.

He is survived by his loving wife, Christi Stalling; sons, David (Lana) Stalling and Jeremy (Aubrey) Stalling; daughter, Miranda (Mike Hucul) Stalling; step-children, Amber (John Gornall) Vanwy, Trevor (Shayla) Sullivan, Chelsea Peterman and Justin (Julia) Peterman; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Stalling; grandchildren, Ashley (Adam) Lange, Addison Stalling, Parker Stalling, Riley Stalling, Cameron Stalling, Gavin Stalling, Reagan Stalling, Troy Sullivan, and Addison Rinehart; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Eli Lange, and Brynleigh, Oaklynn, and Beckham Stalling; siblings, Hershell (Linda) Stalling, Jr., Wendell (Susie) Stalling, Margaret (Bob) Kieber, Rhonda (Jeff) Wilson, and Mark (Lynne) Stalling; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Phillip Stalling, Jr.; sisters, Betty Jo Stalling, Atha “Sis” Shrivers, Brenda Cass, and Jacquelyn Overbey.

The family will receive friends from 4-7pm on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Brucker-Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark. A Celebration of Life will follow at 7pm. If you have a favorite classic car, please drive it in honor of Phil. We’ll have a spot for you.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to https://my.pelotonia.org/profile/DS0074

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