Elza “Phil” Phillips, 93, passed away on January 16, 2026, in Mangum, Oklahoma. He was born on February 10, 1932, in Amarillo, Texas, to L.H. Phillips and Ina Bell (Hawkins) Phillips.
Phil graduated from Sierra High School in Albery, California. He joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and served his country proudly until 1956. During his military service, he worked as an aircraft mechanic on B-47 aircraft.
After leaving the service, Phil lived in Alaska for eleven years, where he worked for Union Oil. He later moved to Oregon, where he served as a deputy sheriff and taught search and rescue in Coos County for ten years.
In March 2008, Phil married Gayle Slaton. The couple made their home in Mangum, Oklahoma, where Phil lived until his passing. He enjoyed fishing in Alaska, snowmobiling, hunting, and working on guns and knives.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Wanda.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Gayle; his sons, Clint Phillips, David Slaton, and Steven Slaton; seven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; his brother, Bill; his brother-in-law, Larry Trumbo; his nieces, Debbie and Mary; and numerous extended family members.
To send flowers in memory of Phil Phillips, visit the Tribute Store.
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Graveside
21
Jan
Mangum, OK 73554
Mangum, OK 73554
