Lemuel Phillips

Lemuel Harrison Phillips, born July 23, 1931, in Seymour, TX to Rufus and Opal (Cavener) Phillips, left this life January 4, 2022. His life's purpose was to share the gospel with everyone he encountered.

Lemuel married the love of his life, Oleta Robertson, on December 11, 1950. That 69-year union produced 3 children—Cheryl (married to Wade Leverett), Mike (married to Cirrie), & Vickie (married to Stephen Thomas), and welcomed numerous foster children including Teresa, John, Roxie, and Debbie.

Lemuel was tutored in the oil field by his father from an early age, assuming full charge by age 18. He continued in the oil business for 10 years until he was approached to "fill in" as a preacher at the local Church of Christ, a profession he continued for the remainder of his life. Lemuel served as the pulpit minister for congregations in Kamay, Electra, and Amarillo, Texas as well as Temple, Oklahoma and Ulysses, Kansas. He also conducted mission work in Thailand, Malaysia, and India.

While preaching, Lemuel earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Midwestern University and continued graduate studies in psychology and counseling.

In addition to pulpit preaching, Lemuel produced 6000+ radio sermons, and was a humorous after-dinner speaker. Actively involved in Rotary from 1967 to 1996, he served as an officer in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas chapters, receiving the Outstanding Young Rotarian Award and Service Above Self Award. He served as District Governor of District 5690 and represented the President of Rotary International at additional conventions.

Lemuel is survived by his sisters Ruby Robertson (and husband Bobby) of Seymour, Texas, Mildred Phillips of Ada, Oklahoma, and a brother, Henry Phillips, of Wichita Falls, Texas, his children, 9 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren!

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Oleta, his brother Joseph Austin, and three great grandchildren Madison Brooke, Grace Anne, and Tanner John McCleary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to RebeccasWish.org, a favorite non-profit of Lemuel's

Allumine Health Care and Hospice—Our deepest gratitude to Linda and Jasmine--dad’s amazing RNs--and Keisha, dad’s CNA. Ladies, your patience and gentleness with dad and your concern for him as well as the family, will always be treasured! We love you like family! 

John Welch--for being the best friend imaginable to Dad.  Your constant presence, hours of playing Catan, and limitless patience have endeared you to our family.