World War II veteran, former Town employee, celebrates 98th birthday

FRONT ROYAL – Philip Funk, who holds the record as being the Town of Front Royal’s oldest retiree when he finally handed in his papers in December 2016, at the age of 96, gathered with family in friends on Saturday to celebrate his 98th birthday.  The World War II veteran, who makes his home with daughter Juanita Tewalt and her husband Gene, in Front Royal,  even received recognition from the Town of Front Royal, delivered by Mayor Hollis Tharpe.

In World War II, Funk served in New Guinea, then headed to the Philippines. He recalled that he was preparing to leave for Japan when the nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  That was a frightening time, he said, as it was not clear how the United States was faring in the war or if our country would emerge victorious.

Philip Funk, was joined by Middletown, VA Mayor Charles Harbaugh and Front Royal Mayor Hollis Tharpe as he celebrated his 98th birthday Saturday. Below, his special friend Louise Link helped him celebrate the day.