Steven Phillips

Steven Phillips was born in Lebanon, Tennessee to Ann Kalinowski Phillips and Gordon Phillips. He passed at an Ada, Oklahoma hospital on Monday, November 28, 2022, at the age of 77 years. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Abby, cousins, and friends locally and around the world.

Steve and his parents moved to Akron, Ohio where he attended public schools. He was a longtime trombone student under Merritt Dittert of The Cleveland Orchestra in Cleveland, Ohio. At Buchtel High School, he played trombone in the marching band, the orchestra and the dance band.

Steven attended The University of Akron and Case Western Reserve University. While at The University of Akron, he was awarded ROTC cadet of the year as a senior. Though the trombone was his lifelong musical choice of instrument, he also played bass guitar, piano and dulcimer. Whether at a wedding, dance, or public concert, Steve loved performing.

In 1968, he and Abby Cohen were married in Akron at the Anshe Sfard Synagogue by the late Rabbi Abraham Liebtag. Throughout their marriage, they traveled around the United States and the world, for pleasure and on his business assignments.

Steve began his business career with the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. He next accepted a promotion to the Firestone Plantations Company in Liberia, West Africa as a speech writer. He then moved into the Accounting Department at Harbel, Liberia. Eventually, he became Comptroller in Cavalla, Liberia. In time, he returned to Harbel as Shipping Manager.

Back in the states, Steve moved on to the General Tire and Rubber Company as an Internal Auditor. That position provided further world experiences. Years later, he served as Accounting Manager in Mayfield, Kentucky and Comptroller at General’s bias tire plant in Waco, Texas. When the Waco plant was closed, a job position at J.P. EMCO was offered in Ada, Oklahoma. Steve served in that position until the plant was sold.

Taking time off from the work world, Steve attended The University of Oklahoma to continue his education. He received his master’s degree in finance, with honors.

The position of Comptroller was offered at McCall’s Chapel Communities, which Steve accepted. After many years, he moved into the position of nursing home administrator plus Development Officer. He was also licensed to train others toward becoming nursing home administrators.

Steve was a lifelong learner, an avid reader, a music aficionado, and a seasoned traveler. He appreciated the occasional glass of fine wine, a perfectly created Martini, or a great cigar. He could discuss a wide range of subjects. His sharp wit, jokes and stories were entertaining and memorable. Steve and Abby traveled extensively, but, by far, Aruba and Curacao held his heart. He was a York Rite Mason and a Shriner.

The family kindly requests no florals. Memorials may be made to The Pontotoc Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Ada. Private services will be graveside at Temple Emanuel Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.