Gilbert Wayne Phillips

Healdton -Gilbert Wayne “Gib” Phillips was born April 18,1935 in Atwood, Oklahoma to Alice and Elmer Phillips. Folks around Atwood knew him as “Sonny”. He departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior on March 1, 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma at the age of 88.

Gib married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Suzanne McInroy on October 25, 1954 at the First United Methodist Church of Ada. They moved to Hobbs, New Mexico where their first two children, James “Chico” and Deonna Alice were born. Their youngest son Daren was born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.

Gib worked many years in the oilfield. In New Mexico he initially worked for Carl B. King Drilling and was eventually employed by Dowell. His job at Dowell allowed him and his family to return to Oklahoma, first to Pauls Valley. Then Muskogee, Parsons, KS, and Healdton, where they settled permanently. After retiring from Dowell, he went to work for Oilwell Cementers in Healdton. He and Suzie were longtime active members of the First United Methodist Church of Healdton. There he held a position on the board of Trustees for over 40 years.

Gib was adept at woodworking and a huge fan of OU football. He was a season ticket holder for many years and enjoyed tailgating with his family. It has been said that in his younger years he and his good friend Tom Baehl were the first ones in the stands for many games! His Christmas gift in 1999 was a surprise trip to the 2000 Orange Bowl to watch his Sooners win the National Championship.

Gilbert is survived by his children: Chico and Cindy Phillips of Locust Grove, OK, Deonna and Larry Cumpton of Norman, OK, and Daren and Lisa Phillips of Oklahoma City. His grandchildren: Phillip and Denisha Cumpton of Wilson, OK, Jayme Phillips and John Powell Walker, Jr.  of Oklahoma City, Wilson and Markie Phillips of Locust Grove, OK, and Lauryn Cumpton and Brandon Steffens of Moore, OK. Great grandchildren: Hunter, Leah, and Anthony Cumpton, Taylor Phillips, and Lucile Suzanne Walker. Great-great granddaughter: Everly Parks. He had many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Sonny.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Martha Suzanne Phillips, his parents Robert Elmer, and Alice Phillips, 1 sister Wyvonna Saya, and 3 brothers Kenneth Phillips, Alfred Phillips, and Harold Phillips.

Visitation will be Monday, March 4 from 5-7 pm at Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Healdton. A graveside service will be held at 11 am Tuesday, March 5 at Allen Cemetery at Allen, Oklahoma with David Daniel officiating. 

Pallbearers are Terry Jacobson, Phillip Cumpton, Anthony Cumpton, Wilson Phillips, Brandon Steffen, and John Powell Walker, Jr.

In memory of Gilbert, please send donations to the Healdton First United Methodist Church 668 NW 5th St. Healdton, OK 73438

Condolences may be sent online at www.alexandergrayfh.com