Phillip Dale Gilstrap's Obituary
Phillip Dale Gilstrap, Sr. was born November 25th, 1938 in Poteau, Oklahoma to Clarence and Ella Mae (Gregory) Gilstrap. He was the youngest of 10 children. Phillip passed away on Sunday morning, April 13th, 2025 at his home in Okmulgee.
He graduated from Poteau High School in 1957.Phillip was in the Oklahoma National Guard and Army Reserve for 11 years as a cook. He was employed by OTASCO (Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company) for 28 years, Sharpe's Dry Goods for 5 years and employed at Wal-Mart for 15 years, prior to retiring. The work he loved the most was raising cattle and baling hay, which he did for over 40 years. He loved his family most of all and cherished his children and grandchildren. To hear him tell it, he had the cutest and smartest and best ball players of them all.
Phillip was preceded in death by his father and mother, four brothers, Thell, Clarence, Jiggs, and Bobby, five sisters, Waunita Sterling, Bettie Vick, Blue McKenzie, Patsy Qualls and Melba Jo Gilstrap and one step-son, Leroy VanAntwerp III.
Survivors include his wife Carol Gilstrap of the home, a son, Phillip Dale Gilstrap, Jr. and wife Wanda of Poteau, Oklahoma, a daughter, Renee Stottsberry and husband Pete of Vian, Oklahoma and son, Danny Hodge and wife Kim of Okmulgee, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 20, 2025 from 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 P.M., Monday, April 21, 2025 at the First Assembly of God of Okmulgee. Reverend Jonathan Hanshaw will officiate. Interment will follow in the Okmulgee Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Connor Gilstrap, Hunter Cotta, Nick Fitzgerald, Shane Fitzgerald, Tyler VanAntwerp and Jim Cook. Grandchildren Delia, Bri, Lacey, Laney, Leroy, Liam, Owen and Gavin will serve as honorary casket bearers.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the KALEO Foundation, 301 East Hill Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 or by visiting their website at www.thekaleofoundation.org
Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Phillip's Tribute Page of our website. www.mcclendon-winters.com
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