Walters, OK
Funeral Services for Jerry Phillips will be held at Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel in Walters on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Pastors Ron Bartoli and Craig Stuke will officiate, with burial in the Walters Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to New Salem Baptist Church, 180036 N 2590 Rd., Walters, OK 73572.
Jerry Wayne Phillips was born to Chester Ruben and Uda Irene (Watson) Phillips on December 7, 1939, at home northwest of Walters, OK, and departed this life at his home in Walters on July 20, 2025, at the age of 85 years, 7 months, and 13 days.
Jerry grew up northwest of Walters, attending Evergreen School before transferring to Walters Schools, graduating from WHS in 1957. He then attended Cameron College, OBU, and OSU. He was working at Cotton Electric when he married Carla Sue Abbe on April 30, 1965, at Union Valley Baptist Church. The couple lived in Wichita Falls for a time while Carla attended school and then moved back to Walters, making their home south of New Salem Baptist Church.
Jerry worked as a mail carrier for the post office and then farmed for a time. They later moved to his family home northeast of New Salem. He eventually became the manager of the Cotton County Rural Water District, retiring in 2014 after 40 years of service. He farmed most of his life until moving to town in 2009.
A lifelong member of New Salem Baptist Church, Jerry preached in his young adult years and led the singing for many more. He served honorably in the National Guard for 7 years. Jerry loved farming, raising hay, and caring for his horses, cattle, ostriches, emus, greyhounds, Jack Russells, and homing pigeons. He was an avid gardener—especially fond of growing potatoes—and enjoyed reading newspapers, horse magazines, and books. He loved watching his kids and grandkids play ball.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Irene Phillips; his sister, Janell Spencer; and his grandson, Landon Brown.
He is survived by his wife, Carla Phillips of the home; two daughters, Michelle and Tyrone Muldowney of Lawton, and Stephanie Brown and Ryan Dorton of Walters; his brother, Chester Phillips and wife Linda of Geronimo; six grandchildren, Jayden Brown of Yukon, Abbey Purser and husband Rustin of Edmond, Rylan Brown of Duncan, Lawson Brown and Kahler of Walters, and Emma and Connor Muldowney of Lawton; one great-granddaughter on the way, Laykin Paige Brown; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
