The Missouri baseball community is mourning the loss of longtime umpire Phillip L. Creason, who passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 76.
He d*ed at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Festus, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and service both on and off the field.
Details surrounding Creason’s death have not been officially released, but news of his passing has deeply saddened teammates, fellow umpires, friends, and sports enthusiasts across Missouri.
After his passing, Ford & Young Funeral Home shared heartfelt tributes on Facebook:
Following the announcement, heartfelt tributes poured in. One mourner shared:
So very sorry for your loss of Phil, he touched so many lives through coaching, umpiring and being a Mall Cop but his greatest gift was teaching the Sonshiner’s Class, he challenged and inspired each of our class members. He will be and has been sorely missed.
Via Facebook
Another wrote:
My deepest condolences to the family. May God’s peace and comfort be with you now and in the days ahead.
Via Facebook
A third message reflected the same deep sense of loss:
What a Blessing you were Phillip. You definitely left this world better off for anyone who was fortunate enough to know you. And Dear Emma and family, I send prayers of comfort to all of you.
Via Facebook
Visitation for Phillip will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Monday, September 22, at First Baptist Church in Perryville, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Logan Bennett officiating.
Burial will take place at Home Cemetery in Perryville. Ford & Young Funeral Home is overseeing the arrangements.
Phillip’s Lasting Legacy Inspires Generations On and Off Field
Phillip L. Creason was a well-respected figure in Missouri baseball, remembered for his decades of service as an umpire at countless high school and community games.
His dedication to the sport, along with his fairness, professionalism, and unwavering passion, earned him admiration from players, coaches, and fans throughout the state.
Beyond the baseball field, Phillip lived a life defined by service, faith, and family.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Perryville, where he faithfully served as a Deacon.
His commitment to both his church and his community reflected the values by which he lived every day.
Professionally, Phillip retired after forty-two years with Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked as a signal maintainer.
Even while balancing a long career, he never lost sight of his love for sports.
He coached his children’s softball and baseball teams, and on the diamond, he was the umpire everyone trusted – known affectionately as the man who never seemed to make a wrong call.
A resident of Perryville, Missouri, Phillip was born on August 27, 1949, in Lafe, Arkansas, the son of Lowell Delmar and Freda Pauline (Pierce) Creason.
He was preceded in d*ath by his parents, his daughter Jennifer Patricia-Lee Creason, and his sisters Brenda Clarkson and Dee Ahrent.
Though he has passed, Phillip’s influence will live on. His legacy as a mentor, leader, and respected umpire will continue to inspire future generations, both on and off the field.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Phillip L. Creason married Emma L. Connor on November 17, 1973, at Pate Chapel Baptist Church in Murphysboro, Illinois.
- He was a father to seven children: Sirena, Elizabeth, Kelsey, Gracie, James, Kyle, and Connor.
