Gary Phipps

Gary Wayne Phipps the son of Johnnie and Vanila (Morphis) Phipps was born March 7, 1947 in Cove, Arkansas. Gary departed this life on February 14, 2019 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma at the age of 71 years, 11 months and 7 days.

Gary was a very loving man who was dedicated to the Lord, his family and to anything that he was a part. He graduated from Westville High School where he played football and was a member of the Future Farmers of America where he continued his love for farming.

After high school graduation, he attended Northeastern State College which then became Northeastern State University. He graduated with a Master's Degree in Education. He majored in Industrial Arts and Biology. His dedication showed in everything that he did. He was a devoted fan and hadn't missed an NSU home football game in over 45 years. Gary was also a brother of the Phi Lamda Chi fraternity while attending NSU.

Gary went on to teach with the Salina Public School System where he was awarded Teacher of the Year, and was President of the Salina Education Association. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern teaching Arts u0026 Crafts and Silversmithing. Gary was also very gifted as a goldsmith and a welder. He enjoyed farming, brushhogging, working with cattle and gardening.

He enjoyed camping especially at the Pawnee Indian Veteran's Homecoming Powwow. He and his wife had not missed attending a Veteran's Powwow in 48 years. Gary had a great love for the Native American culture as his wife is of Pawnee and Cherokee heritage. He made many friends and learned much about the Pawnee people during years of gathering and celebrating the Veteran's Homecoming.

He was devoted to his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and to his family as well. His grandson was the apple of his eye. Gary touched many lives over the years and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Jesica Phipps; and his sister Nila "Sis" Phipps.

He is survived by a loving family which includes his wife of over 49 years, Gene Phipps of the home; his son Jonathan Levi Phipps and wife Karma of Westville; his daughter Valerie Walters of Wagoner; his sister Debra Linn and husband Bill of Colcord; and his grandson Tristyn Phipps of Westville. He leaves several nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Visitation

Public Viewing

Visitation Room
1506 N Grand Ave
Tahlequah, OK  74464
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Tahlequah, OK  74464
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
2:00 pm

Burial

Tahlequah City Cemetery
Tahlequah, OK  74464
Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Cemetery

Tahlequah City Cemetery
Tahlequah, OK  74464