Phillip Eugene Ackert

ASHEVILLE – Phillip Eugene Ackert, at the age of 94, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Madison Health and Rehabilitation in Mars Hill, NC. Mr. Ackert was born on September 30, 1931, in Bay Shore, New York. He grew up in Red Hook, NY, and after high school, went directly into the Marines and served in the Korean War. He was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a proud Marine and enjoyed reunions with his Marine family.

After returning from Korea, he married Katherine. They celebrated their 70th anniversary last July. Phil and Kathy traveled the world together.

Phil lived in Venezuela, Colombia, and Nigeria during his 25-year career in the oil industry. He lived part-time – and after retiring, full-time – in Key Biscayne, FL for nearly 30 years. He later lived in Half Moon Bay, California for 20 years. Since 1963, he had been an active member of the Scottish Rite.

He loved to hunt and fish, especially pavon (peacock bass) fishing in Venezuela. He enjoyed reloading shotgun shells and trap & skeet shooting. He loved good food and cold beer. A lover of the skies, he was always looking up and commenting on birds and airplanes. He loved dogs.

Phil was charismatic, had a twinkle in his eye, and a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor. He lived life to the fullest, and we will miss him deeply.

He was the son of the late Ira Lamerie Ackert and Mary Josephine O’Rourke Ackert. He was also preceded in death by his son, Shawn Ackert.

Surviving are his wife, Katherine Ann Hoflinger Ackert; daughter, Melissa Ackert (Mark); his son, Shannon Ackert (Michelle); and his grandchildren.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at 2:30 pm Friday, January 16, 2026, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Buddy Corbin officiating. The family will greet family and friends following the service at the funeral home.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving the Ackert family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com.