Funeral service for Emmett Loy Phillips, Ph. D. will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Earl Jenkins, Pastor of Henryetta First Freewill Baptist Church, Henryetta, Oklahoma officiating.

Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Emmett Phillips entered into eternal life on Friday, June 7, 2024 in Lawton, Oklahoma at the age of 90. He was born to Elbert and Mary (Woodward) Phillips in Park Hill near Tahlequah, Oklahoma on December 23, 1933. He was the youngest of six brothers: Eugene, who died in infancy, Ernest, Elmer, Eddie, Earl, and Emmett. He received a B.A. from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah and M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of Oklahoma, Norman. Emmett taught English grammar and literature at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond. He retired with the rank of tenured professor. During his academic career he also served as Graduate Director and sponsor of foreign students. He was a kind, patient, and encouraging teacher, always proud and happy when his students achieved academic excellence.

Emmett married Teresa Lubrano in November 2016 and the marriage was convalidated by the Roman Catholic Church in January 2019. He is survived by his wife Teresa of Lawton, his daughter from his first marriage, Denniece Phillips of Norman, as well as a cousin, John Frank Phillips, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dennie Duval Ashby, his father, mother, and brothers.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in his name to the McMahon-Tomlinson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Comanche County Memorial Hospital Hospice or the Cameron University Department of Communications, English, and Foreign Languages.