Philip L. Nowlin, age 63 of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at Spectrum Health, Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids. He was born May 15, 1949 in Albion the son of Robert and Helen (Smith) Nowlin. Phil grew up in Homer, Mi until the family moved to Big Rapids in his junior year of High School. He graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1968 and shortly after was drafted in the United States Army. Phil served during the Vietnam War; then reenlisted and was stationed in Germany for one year. Following his discharge Phil returned to Big Rapids where he met and married the former Mary Drews. Phil worked for Fluid Routing of Big Rapids (formerly Fitzsimons) for 33 years until he retired just three weeks ago. Phil was an avid fisherman, hunter and moral mushroomer, he especially enjoyed these activities with his grandsons, Philip and David. He loved to watch his grandson, Jonathon play football and he coached and watched his granddaughter, Brandy play basketball. In his younger years, Phil was a great softball player; he played on many Big Rapids area teams, including the "Old-timers'" , where he was named M.V.P. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Nowlin of Big Rapids; his daughter, Dusty (John) McAllister of Big Rapids, grandchildren, Jonathon, David, Philip, Brandy and honorary, Liyah; two sisters, Kay Schrom of Big Rapids, Konnie (Bob Freiberg) Moore of Big Rapids; two brothers, Jim (Leann) Nowlin of Homer, David (Chris) Nowlin of Big Rapids; brother-in-law, John Meacell of Homer and many nieces and nephews. Phil was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Karol Meacell. Memorial services will take place 12:00 p.m. (noon) Saturday, May 4th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with the family greeting friends one hour prior to services (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. noon). Military honors will be under the auspices of American Legion Post # 98 of Big Rapids.