Gilbert Lee Phillips
October 2, 1937 - August 2, 2025
Gilbert Lee Phillips, age 87, of Perry, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at Oklahoma Heart Hospital North in Oklahoma City. He left this world exactly as he had hoped-calm, comfortable, and surrounded by the love of his family and friends. In his final moments, true to the selfless man he was, he offered prayers for those he loved, bringing comfort and peace to others even as he took his final rest.
A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Trout Funeral Home of Perry, with Pastor Mark Uhlman officiating. Burial will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Gilbert was born at home on the Knox Place in Freedom, Oklahoma, on October 2, 1937, to Jesse Coy and Bessie (Neff) Phillips. He grew up in northwest Oklahoma and graduated from Farry High School. He later attended school in Pueblo, Colorado, to become a depot agent and began his career in Mulhall, Oklahoma. There, he worked for the railroad line between Guthrie, OK, and Ark City, KS, and lived with Ms. Bodecker. He also worked nights bagging cubes in Red Rock.
A hardworking and multi-talented man, Gilbert later joined a large-scale farming operation with Clifford and Elizabeth Kissner in Mulhall. The farm featured a state-of-the-art hog operation and produced cattle, wheat, hay, barley, and milo. He went on to establish PKP Trucking, where he ran three bull wagons alongside Mac McDowel, Johnny Rath, Wayne Cornish, and Doc Harman. In the winter, he worked as a roughneck. During his time in Mulhall, Gilbert served as both mayor and fire chief, demonstrating his deep commitment to the community.
Gilbert became the proud father of two sons, Tracy in 1960 and Stacy in 1963. His next chapter took him to Ringwood, Oklahoma, where he worked for his brother Les at Hamm & Phillips. Throughout his career, Gilbert contributed his talents to a variety of companies, including Austin Trucking and his own Triple P Paint Shop, where his sons joined him in the business. He later worked for Enid Mack Truck Sales as a salesman, wrecker operator, and pilot-combining his mechanical skills with his passion for flying.
Flying was one of Gilbert’s greatest joys. He flew countless friends, family members, and coworkers across the country and loved to teach others to ski, despite not being able to swim to save his life.
In 2003, Gilbert married Pamela Ring, and the couple made their home in Perry, Oklahoma. He worked as Road Foreman for District 1 in Noble County and then as an operator in the oilfield until his retirement.
After retiring, Gilbert continued to live a life of purpose and creativity. He spent countless hours in his workshop, building cherished items for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren-from a detailed replica of the Titanic with Hayden to custom china cabinets for his grandchildren and cedar chests for his great granddaughters. He was also a skilled gardener, known for growing tomatoes from seed and cultivating a flourishing garden.
There truly wasn’t anything Gilbert couldn’t build, fix, or grow. He was a jack of all trades AND a master of all-a man of ingenuity, grit, and heart. Above all, Gilbert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and all things family. Gilbert loved woodworking, farming, flying, engineering, building, and spending time teaching life skills to his grandchildren. May his memory be a blessing and may we carry on his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. THANK YOU LORD, AMEN.
He is survived by his wife, Pam Phillips of the home; sons Tracy (Patti) Phillips of Mulhall, OK, and Stacy (Marion) Phillips of Ringwood, OK; stepchildren Kim (Gene) Weber of Tucson, AZ, Lance (Amber) Fortney of Perry, OK, and Tiffany George of Perry, OK; brother Merlin Phillips; sister Betty (Roger) Mantz; grandchildren Cody (Kalie) Phillips, Brenda (Clark) Robbins, Austin Phillips, Chris (Sarah) Phillips, Ethan, Dylan, and Caleb Fortney, and Garret and Hayden George; and great-grandchildren Katelyn (Tony), Hailey, Miranda, Paislee, Hunter, Aubree, Jesse, and Lakyn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse (Coy) and Bessie Phillips; brother Les Phillips; and sister Joretta Doctor.
Pallbearers will be Cody Phillips, Chris Phillips, Clark Robbins, Tony West, Troy Phillips, Hunter Phillips, Jesse Phillips, Garret George, and Hayden George. Honorary pallbearers include Charlie Hanger, Marty Gallaway, Garye Gallaway, Scott Johnson, Bud Grim, and Everett Lighty.
Messages of condolence and memories may be shared with the family at www.troutperry.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home of Perry, 1408 N 7th St, Perry, OK 73077.
Visitation with Family Present
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Trout Funeral Home of Perry
Funeral Ceremony
Thursday, August 7, 2025 10:00AM
Trout Funeral Home of Perry
Final Resting Place
Grace Hill Cemetery
Memorial Rd
Perry, OK 73077
