Donald Vernon Phillips

Donald Vernon Phillips, age 82, of Caddo, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Donald was born on April 19, 1943, in Caddo, Oklahoma, to parents Clarence Alvie and Opal Lullabelle (Russell) Phillips. Donald was a lifelong resident of Caddo and graduated from Caddo High School. He married Zelma Faye Jackson on November 15, 1975, in Kenefic, Oklahoma. He was a carpenter by trade and was presently working at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He was a member of the Kenefic Baptist Church and the Caddo Masonic Lodge, and proudly served his country in the Army Reserve for six years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, crossword puzzles, playing dominoes, feeding cows with Chase, telling a good story, woodworking, and cooking dressing for family holidays. Donald could build or fix anything, and he took great pride in the work he did for his family and friends, as well as for Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Every building on that campus holds something that he built, touched, or fixed. He loved passing around popcorn to his coworkers and took great pride in hand-delivering the wooden oven tool he created. He was extremely proud of a log home he built for his daughter. He swore he would never build another log home, but his work was beautiful and perfectly crafted. Donald also loved his church and faithfully occupied the same seat for more than 50 years. He was a strong, faithful, and kind Christian man who was the perfect example of what a good man should be. We take comfort in knowing that as he entered the gates of heaven, he heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” We know he was smiling that big smile and giving a little chuckle, as he always did. He was our provider who brought peace, comfort, and safety to our lives. As his granddaughter said, “He was our rock.” Most importantly of all, Donald loved his family. He adored his wife, Zelma. She was truly the love of his life. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage, and he was so proud of that golden anniversary and always so proud of her. Their love for each other was the perfect example of how true love should be. He was so proud of his son and three daughters and their families. He was their biggest supporter. He also adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Most evenings, he could be found at a ballgame, music program, band concert, school event, or birthday party, a devotion that we will all forever cherish. Donald is preceded in death by his parents; brother, J.R. Phillips; sister, Betty Ham; grandson, Jordan Morris; and great-grandson, Karsyn Hobbie. Donald is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Zelma Faye Phillips of the home; treasured children Angie Morris of Caddo, Misty Green and husband Richard of Caddo, Krystal Davidson and husband Greg of Atoka, and son Chase Phillips of Caddo; adored grandchildren Ashley Hodge and husband Chance, Chelsea Carlock and husband Alex, Landon Green and wife Ashley, Garrett Green and wife Kenzi, Preston Green and wife Gabbie, Kevin Hobbie and wife April, Justin Hobbie and wife Ariel, Jerrid Hobbie, and Kenlee Davidson; 17 great-grandchildren, with one arriving in March; sisters Mary Knight and husband Larry, Laverna Nazworth, and Quinna Smith; brothers Troy Phillips, Charles “Hop” Phillips and wife Linda; and numerous extended family members and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2026, at Brown’s Funeral Service Chapel in Durant, Oklahoma. Pastor Philip Stephens will officiate. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery in Caddo, Oklahoma, with grandsons Landon Green, Garrett Green, Preston Green, Kevin Hobbie, Justin Hobbie, and Jerrid Hobbie, and great-grandsons Chet Hodge and Colby Hodge serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be sons-in-law Richard Green and Greg Davidson; grandsons-in-law Chance Hodge and Alex Carlock; and all of Donald’s friends and colleagues at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/D3HBLGMHL23C46F4

Donald Vernon Phillips

April 19, 1943 - January 27, 2026