Philemon Mathew Thomas or "Phil" as he was affectionately referred to by his parents and siblings, was born on a farm west of Summit, Oklahoma on August 8, 1950, to Clarence Weldon and Bessie Berniece Thomas.

Phil was the seventh living child to this union at the time of his birth. Later on, he was joined by three additional siblings. He really loved his Grampa Ed Thomas and was the "spitting" image of him in size and height, wearing only western attire. His favorite pastime was watching western movies and his favorite TV shows, Gunsmoke and The Rifleman.

Phil accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Summit under Pastor, H.P. Anthony. He attended grade and junior high school at Dubois School in Summit, and graduated from historic Manual Training High School, class of 1968.

While at Manual Training High School, Phil followed his older brothers, Clarence and Wilbur, joining the New Farmers of America (NFA), under the legendary leadership of Mr. W.G. Parker. He participated in livestock, poultry and vegetable production projects, and entered many competitions in the Muskogee area. He furthered his studies in Agriculture at Northeastern A&M University in Miami, Oklahoma, receiving his Associates degree in Agriculture.

Phil joined the U.S. Navy in 1972, choosing US Naval Construction Battalion (SEABEE) carpentry, as a career. He later served in the same capacity for over 20 years in the US Navy Reserves and received many awards for his achievements.

Phil was gifted and talented. He could literally erect a house from scratch with no assistance from any contractors. Carpentry became his primary occupation. He became an entrepreneur, hiring and teaching young men to build. He often worked long and hard hours during the night to finish some jobs.

Phil enjoyed outdoor activities with his brothers, cousins and sons. Being an avid hunter and fisherman, his freezer was stocked with fish, deer, rabbit and frog legs. He prepared meals often, barbequing for family reunions and others.

Phil married the love of his life, Rebecca Davis on August 3, 1975, bringing her from California to the country where they built their own farm. Becky was a complete partner to Phil, assisting him in building and other farm projects. They became a blended family with children: Philemon, Phyllis and Anthony. Later, three children were born to this union, Clevon, Coleise and Jake. Phil enjoyed his life and loved to spend time with his family. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and brother. Many children loved him, and he became their Dad too. He made countless friends and colleagues in his personal and professional career.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Phyllis, three brothers and one sister. He leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife of 43 years, Rebecca Thomas, four sons, Philemon Currin (Keisha), Tullahasse, Oklahoma, Anthony Edwards (Phylicia) Irving, Texas, Clevon Thomas, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jake Thomas, Muskogee, Oklahoma, and one daughter, Coleise Thomas, Muskogee, Oklahoma, 23 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. His siblings include: Betty Gibson, Long Island, New York, Lurlene McDaniel (Earnest) Duluth, Georgia, Dr. Wilbur Thomas and Betsy Oakley, Muskogee, Oklahoma and Debra Fields (Ronald) Garland, Texas.

A Home Going Service is scheduled Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 11:00 a.m., First Baptist Church, Summit, OK; with Rev. Milton Colbert, eulogizing.  Interment to follow in New Hope Cemetery, Oktaha, OK.

Visitation will be Monday, 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for House of Winn Funeral Home & Cremations, Muskogee