Phillip Dale Gilstrap, Sr. was born November 25, 1938, in Poteau to Clarence and Ella Mae (Gregory) Gilstrap. He was the youngest of 10 children. Phillip passed away on Sunday morning, April 13, 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 five years and employed at Walmart 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 stepson, Leroy VanAntwerp, III.
Survivors include his wife Carol Gilstrap of the home, a son, Phillip Dale Gilstrap, Jr. and wife Wanda of Poteau, a daughter, Renee Stottsberry and husband Pete of Vian and son, Danny Hodge and wife Kim of Okmulgee, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a multitude of November 25, 1938 – April 13, 2025
nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 20, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. at Mc-Clendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2025, at First Assembly of God of Okmulgee. Rev. Jonathan Hanshaw will officiate. Interment will follow at 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 E. Hill Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 or by visiting their website at www. thekaleofoundation. org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Phillip’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
