RIP Phil Canaday
 

For those who have attended Gas City I-69 Speedway for many years, you are probably familiar with Phil--he was a long time volunteer who helped prepare the track. Thoughts and prayers with the Canaday family.


Phillip E. Canaday
Dec 7, 2020
Phillip E. Canaday, 88, passed away on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Warren, Indiana. He was born to the late
Adelbert and Bonnie (LaRowe) Canaday, on July 17, 1932, in Marion, Indiana. Phil served his country in the
National Guard. He married the love of his life, Shirley (Ruhl) Canaday, on September 7, 1957, she survives.
They lived on Candlewood Drive in Marion for many of their adult years, surrounded by caring and loving
neighbors, in a neighborhood that they loved. They moved to Heritage Pointe, in Warren, Indiana, in April of
2018. Phil spent his entire career at Marion Engineering Products as a Plant Manager and retired in 1989.
He was a long time member of the First Friends Church, in Marion, Indiana, and the First United Methodist
Church, in Richmond, Indiana.
Phil’s greatest passion was racing, specifically dirt track racing. In a sport that is full of aggression and
competitive spirit, Phil did not have a single enemy. Sprint car drivers from all over the United States would
brag about Phil’s ability to prep the track at Gas City Speedway, and how it was one of their favorite tracks
to race on. Some of Phil’s best and most fulfilling years of his life were spent driving the tractor and the
watering truck at the track, it was his favorite place on this earth.
Phil was a true mentor and inspiration in the life of so many. He showed them how to work hard, to treat
others, to take pride in your work, to be humble, and to do the right thing. He was a “no short cuts” kind of
guy. He would do whatever it took to make sure that the right thing was being done. Phil was a wise man,
with a huge heart. He always put others first and cared deeply for his family and friends.
Phil is survived by his wife, Shirley (Ruhl) Canaday; 12 nephews; and 2 nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adelbert and Bonnie (LaRowe) Canaday; daughter, Catherine
Ann Canaday; sister, Betty Highley; and niece, Nancy Highley.
Arrangements for Phil have been entrusted to College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and
Cremation Services, 4601 South Western Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953. There will be a service held to
honor Phil when it is safe for friends and family to gather.
Online memories and condolences may be left at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.

This just sucks! Phil was a great person and a great friend! When we rolled through the gate at Gas City, Phil and Jiggs would stop by and ask how our week was and we would all just talk, I will cherish those memories! After the races the first one down to the trailer was Phil to congratulate me! He will for sure be missed by everyone in the Spencer Family.

Josh

Rest In Peace, I probably walked by you 100 times just didn’t get to know you 😢
Prayers to his family and friends.

Re: RIP Phil Canaday
 

Never met Phil. But when a guy volunteers all this time at a race track to make the surface his passion, that speaks volumes about him. Sounded like an amazing Gas City ambassador. RIP