Phillip DeWayne Anderson

It was a gloriously sweltering day with temperatures above one hundred degrees when on July 29, 1958, an enthralling occasion was celebrated. God granted the entrance of son number four and child number seven to Chester and Gustavia (Ligons) Anderson. This small bundle of energy was gifted the name, Phillip Dewayne Anderson. He later held the distinct honor of being referenced to and affectionately called by Shelly (his great uncle), OleMan, Shorty, Phil, PhilCat and Snookum Jack. It was at the dawn of the day May 29, 2023, that Phillip departed this earthly realm to await the final trumpet sound in paradise.

Phillip was raised in the Church of God, Evening Light Saints in Hoffman Oklahoma. He continued to be faithful and entrusted his salvation at this same Church. It filled his heart with immense joy to have his nephew, Kevin Fuselier as his pastor. Although not gifted as a singer Phillip enjoyed the songs of Zion and being in the presence of his Church family.

He attended Grayson Elementary School and matriculated to Morris School, Morris Oklahoma where he graduated in 1976. During high school Phillip tried his hand at playing football. Never one to back down from a challenge, despite his statue he once knocked out an opponent during a game. In the fall of 1976 Phillip entered Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma). Edmond Oklahoma. Phillip later attended Okmulgee Technology College where he received his degree in automotive engineering.

Upon leaving Okmulgee 'Tech" Phillip moved to Ponca City beginning with work at Jack Bowker Ford as a mechanic. Phillip held positions as driver for Ponca Concrete, Manager of McDonalds in Ponca City, Oklahoma, worked in Tulsa as laborer, truck driver, delivery, and construction. Always one to look for new challenges Phillip later received his certification and license to drive commercially. Which he did for several years, making numerous trips across the country and experiencing the majestic beauties and wonders of the Country. Phillips last job was with AAON in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He ended his gainful employment and helped care for his mother, Gustavia, maintaining the family homestead and caring for the horses, feeding fish in the stocked ponds, and maintaining the grounds. Phillip took pride in ensuring the acreage was in good condition and relished times at the place with his family during holidays and weekend excursions.

In 2015, Phillip was diagnosed with health-related issues. However, it did not diminish his zest for life, and he continued to do as much as possible around his home. Phillip was a people person. He loved visiting with family and friends and enjoyed sharing his droll sense of humor. There was no such thing as a 'stranger' with Phillip which is why it seemed as if knew everyone and everyone knew him. More than that he had a giving spirit. If there was anything he could do to aide and assist, he would. That was just his way. Phillip had a gift of being able to fix things and did. His latest adventure was restoring old furniture to its original luster and brilliance or repairing equipment and small engines.

The memories of our beloved will be forever etched in the hearts of his son, Raufeill Carnes Anderson, San Diego, CA, daughter, Talissa Anderson, Ponca City, granddaughters, grandsons, Raufeilll "Jr.," Mason, Samson, and Careson. Moreover. hearts saddened by this colossal loss also includes the 12 G's, his siblings, Georgia (Howard) Berry, Kansas City, Ks, Chester (Gwen) Anderson, Cypress, Tx, Leslie (Vassar) Anderson, Diane Anderson, Vincent Anderson all of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Deborah Anderson, Dallas Texas, Darryl Anderson, Moore, OK, Karen Anderson, Fort Worth, TX, Felisha (Steve) Fox, Piedmont, OK, and Deanna Chambers, Keller, Tx , one Uncle Murl Anderson, Wichita, Ks, and one brother-in-love, Hollis Tompkins, Tulsa, OK.  Additionally, eighteen nieces and nephews, twenty-nine great nieces and nephews, and eleven great-great nieces and nephews along with a plethora of cousins, friends and associates who grieve this loss.

Phillip was preceded in death by his loving parents, Chester, and Gustavia (Ligons) Anderson, and a most cherished sister, Portia Tompkins. We hold fast to and trust in the Lord knowing that we have a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, and that one day when the gates swing open . . .

Funeral Services will be conducted, Saturday, June 3, 2023, 11:00 am in the Okmulgee Church of God, 1515 E. First Street, Okmulgee, OK; with Pastor Kevin Fuselier, eulogizing. Interment will follow in Hawkins Cemetery, Hoffman, OK.  Public visitation, Friday, June 2, 2023, 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.