Eliot- Phillip E. Heusler, 78, of Eliot, Maine, passed away peacefully at home on August 3, 2018.

CMSGT Phillip E. Heusler was born May 9, 1940 in Geneva, New York, the son of the late Gerald F. Heusler Sr. and Beatrice L. Cooper. He spent much of his childhood with his siblings and cousins exploring, hunting, and fishing in New York, Florida, Maine, and Texas. He was especially proud of his thirty years of service to his country in the United States Air Force, and enjoyed his time stationed in Turkey, Japan, Canada, and across the United States. He was a Lifelong Master Mason and member of the Polaris Lodge, and held a Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite as a member of the Philae Temple and an affiliate of the Order of the Eastern Star.

His family remembers Phil as a kind, loving, and generous man with a brilliant mind and a sharp sense of humor. He was a hardworking and loving husband and father who treasured above all else time spent with his family. He loved the beauty of nature and was particularly fond of mineralogy, gemology, and time spent among the redwoods and along the coasts in the National Parks. Although he faced many struggles with his health in his later years, he faced these challenges with courage and with his hallmark quiet dignity. He was a hero to his children and his family is grateful for the many years he blessed them with his presence and the many life lessons he shared. His loss will be felt keenly for years to come.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda Lear; ex-wife Linda (Al) Poe; children Kathryn R. Testa, Phillip E. (Sarah) Heusler Jr., and Meaghan D. Heusler; sisters Lorraine Lincoln, Sandra Gschwend, and Irene (Peter) Bessey; brother Ray Heusler; grandchildren Jeremy Heusler, Kayla Ochoa, and Zachary Ochoa; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Gerald F. (Linda) Heusler Jr. and brother-in-laws George (Lorraine) Lincoln and Jim (Sandra) Gschwend.

Services will be held privately at Phil's request. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com . Memorial contributions can be made to the National Parks Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.