Riley Philpott

Riley James (Dick) Philpott was born on December 18, 1934 to Emert Clinton and Mary Elizabeth (Clay) Philpott in Gray Squirrel, Oklahoma.  He passed from this life on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 85 years, 1 month and 23 days.

He was the 6th of 10 children. They were: Coweta Fixin, Juanita (Pete) Johnson, Gene Philpott, Mack Philpott, Marie Davenport, Inez Duffield, George Philpott, Sue Bunckner and Baby Philpott.

Dick attended school near his family’s store at Barber.  Later he attended high school at UG and for a short time at Stilwell.

He grew up helping  on the farm, at his family’s grocery store and in his dad’s blacksmith shop.  All this training served him well as he became known for being able to do about anything he needed to.

Dick couldn’t wait to follow his brothers, Gene and Mack into the military.  As soon as his parents gave their blessings, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  Over the next six years, he proudly served stateside in Little Rock, AR, San Angelo, TX, Altus, OK and more exotic locations such as Hickam Field, Honolulu, HI and Greenland.

After returning home, he supported his family through various occupations.  He owned and operated a gas station, supervised a crew of green bean harvesters from Alabama to Wisconsin, built houses and  served as maintenance director at Maryetta School.  He was a licensed electrician, a master cabinet builder and raised beef cattle.

His greatest joys were following his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s ballgames, cattle shows, rodeos, piano recitals and Christmas Programs.  He also loved teaching all of his grands and greats to garden.

Dick was saved and baptized at the First Baptist Church in 1978.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents and his nine brothers and sisters.  The circle is now unbroken.

Dick is survived by his lifelong wife, Carrie (Warner) Philpott of the home.  One daughter, Joey O'Neal of Stilwell, OK; Two sons, Ken Philpott of Wagoner, OK, Ron Philpott and wife Melissa of Stilwell.

His grandchildren: Bryan O'Neal and wife Tracie of Rockwall, TX, Patrick O'Neal and wife Michelle of Sallisaw, OK, Stephanie Springfield and husband Casey of Chandler, OK, Blake Philpott of Bixby, OK, Landon Philpott, India Philpott and Isabella Philpott of Stilwell.

His great grandchildren: Kaden O'Neal, Riley O'Neal, Cooper O'Neal, Legacie O'Neal, Gracie Springfield, Lynnly Springfield, Josie Springfield.

He also had two bonus grandchildren of the heart: Jamie Tumleson and husband Micah and their children, Bentley and Gracie of Ft. Gibson, OK, Robin Cooper and husband Chrisand their children, Lane, Logan and Landon of Van Buren, AR.

Dick is also survived by his brother-in-law: Allen Buckner, sister-in-law: Frances Grace, sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Pat and Larry Robinson, many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and countless friends.