Phillip George Stephenson

Phillip George Stephenson

December 11, 1934 - December 13, 2025

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Friend

Phillip was born on the family farm east of Hobart to Hazel Parrish Stephenson and George Stephenson. He lived most of his life in the area around Hobart, Oklahoma. He grew up near Mt. Teepee where he learned to love hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. He was an excellent shot with his gun and his nephews tell wonderful, funny stories about hunting with him and his brother Jerry. He liked to fish too, when he was younger, but on one trip he was stung by buffalo gnats and he discovered two things, after his face swelled like a balloon, 1) he was allergic to gnats and 2) no longer had the desire to sit still to fish. Later he took up coyote hunting and deep- sea fishing and he had harrowing, hilarious tales to tell about those trips too, including one time they actually turned the boat over in the Gulf of America (Mexico at that time). God saved the life of Phillip and all of his companions that night and I think one of them actually managed to save the gear. It was a miracle.

Some of his favorite trips were the annual vacations he and Nancy took to Red River, New Mexico. They made special memories at the Black Mountain Lodge, hiking, sight-seeing, riding four wheelers and just relaxing. They frequently traveled there with family or with their good friends, the Branams.

Phillip loved playing softball through school and as an adult. He was a life-long OU Sooners football fan and an Atlanta Braves baseball fan. Those teams provided him lots of hours of enjoyment and some grief but he never abandoned them. He liked to watch OU Women's softball which has been more rewarding lately.

He also enjoyed hunting arrowheads, attending auctions and having coffee every morning with his buddies at the cafe. He served a term on a local school board and he currently has most of his arrowhead collection on loan to the Kiowa County Museum, so that the entire community can see those artifacts. He had a lot of interests and he believed life was meant to be lived and enjoyed. One of his favorite things to do was to play pranks on his friends. He had a lot of friends!!

He was a mechanic by trade and he enjoyed fixing things. He "tinkered" as he called it, with cars and lawnmowers at his shop until he was 90. He and his son-in-law, Bruce spent a lot of time buying, fixing and riding four-wheelers and lawnmowers. They were the best of friends and Bruce was a tremendous help to Phillip in his golden years. Thanks, Bruce!!

Phillip loved Jesus. He grew up in a home where his parents took him to church and provided a good example for him (and probably a switch if he had any trouble understanding). He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age and that decision guided the rest of his life. We celebrate today because we know that our Daddy is in the arms of Jesus. He didn't like the restrictions of his older, earthly body the past few months and he was looking forward to the new one he was promised in Heaven. Today, he has it. No more burns, no more scars, no more sore knees, no more bad eyesight, no more heart trouble; we rejoice with him!

Phillip married Nancy Case on July 21, 1980. He adored her and they have had 45 years together as faithful, loving companions. We are so thankful for Nancy! Debbie estimates he lived an extra 20 years because Nancy took such good care of him.

He is survived by his wife Nancy and their daughters Cindy Warren (husband Rick), Debbie Babione - the favorite (husband Bruce), Tammy Robinson- co favorite (husband Dwayne "Turk"), Ellen Beers - another favorite (husband Brandin), son David Case and daughter -in-law Jeannie Case. He is also survived by his sister Janet Walker (husband Toby) and his grandchildren Holli, Lindsay (husband Preston), Kaylee (Tim), Shannon (Zach), Matthew, Jamie (Jordan), Heather (husband Joshua), Sean (wife Raychel), Courtney (husband Levi), Hilary, Conner (wife Amanda), Zade, Dylan and Braden. He had several great grandchildren including Mabry, Carlee, Chloe', Calleigh, Matthew, Remi, Ridlee, Turner, Lux, Bryan, Bradlee, Elaina, Maddux, Hayden, Reece, Lucas, Bryson, Marlie, Van, Emma, Penny and Lily. He loved them all so much and he had many nieces and nephews that he also treasured.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents Hazel and George, brother Jerry Stephenson, sister Nonabelle Funkhouser, son Mark Case, son-in-law David Stockton, grandsons Bryan Robinson and Christopher Rudman.

Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.