July 10, 1954 — June 6, 2019

Philip J. Makay, 64, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Thursday, June 6, 2019, in the comfort of his family’s presence.

He was born July 10, 1954, in Decatur, to John and Lottie Makay. He married Lynn Breckenridge on Aug. 9, 1979, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives.

Philip graduated from Dowagiac High School, where he was on the wrestling team. He retired as a staff sergeant in the Michigan Army National Guard after 24 years of service, earning the Legion of Merit and over a dozen other awards. The highlight of this service was being mobilized to provide security for the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996. Philip served in the Cassopolis Police Department for 18 years, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He served as a contractor in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom for two years. Philip was an avid Star Trek and James Bond fan. He loved his family, good food, dogs, cigars, computers and video games.

Philip will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Lynn Makay, of Cassopolis; daughters, Elaine (Stephen) Green, of Edwardsburg, Jeanne Makay, of Cassopolis, Joanne Makay, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jacquelyn Makay, of Houston, Texas, Marye (Dennis) Bailey of Niles; sons, David Andrzejewski, of Cassopolis, Don (Jude) Makay, of Syracuse, New York, Jon Makay, of New York City, New York, John Aaron (Lena) Makay, of South Bend, Indiana; nine grandchildren, Emily and Mairin Andrzejewski, Makenzie and Marshall Carlton, Lyndon Makay, Alexander Ormiston, Harper and River Makay, and Marek Makielski; one great-grandchild, Kasady; five sisters, Rita, Frannie, Donna, Martha, Angie; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Philip was preceded in death by one sister, Joanne.

Family and friends will gather at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 23, 2019, in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis, before processing to Prospect Hill cemetery where Mr. Makay will be accorded full Military Honors. Following the graveside ceremonies, everyone is invited to a luncheon in the Lieutenant William E. Lozier VFW Post 10704, 131 S. Broadway St., Cassopolis.

The family prefers contributions be made in memory of Philip to Heartland Hospice, 8075 Creekside Drive, Suite 120, Portage, MI, 49024-5390. The family would like to extend their appreciation for the heartfelt care given by the staff of Heartland Hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.