Phillip's life began October 16, 1975, in Quantico, Virginia. Phillip's dad was a career Marine allowing Phillip to travel growing up and he graduated high school from White Oak High School in North Carolina. Once his dad retired the family returned to Southwest Michigan. Phillip continued his education and became a marina mechanic, working for several years for Gull Lake Marina. Outside of work you could find him enjoying his motorcycle, fishing, hunting or passionately cheering on University of Michigan football.

Phillip loved his family which includes: his daughter Kiley Flener; two siblings Bradley Flener and Michelle (Michael) Wade; four nieces and nephews Brooklyn Wade, Aidan Wade, Hailey Wade, and Lucas Wade; his grandpa Herman VanHorn; his girlfriend Gayle Oakley; Uncle David Haase; Aunt Diane VanHorn; and several cousins.

Phillip died Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at University of Michigan Health West in Wyoming, Michigan. He is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Patricia (Keath) Flener Jr. Funeral services will be celebrated Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM with visitation starting at 12:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Burial will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Phillip's family.