Phillip J. “Papa Bear” Brothers passed from this life on June 26, 2020 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, at the age of 70 years 4 months 21 days.
Funeral Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at the Odell Farms, 17261 US Highway 177, in Byars, Oklahoma, just south of the Asher river bridge, with interment following at the Wanette Cemetery. Services were entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made at www.wadleysfuneralservice.com.
Phillip “Papa Bear” was born on February 5, 1950 in Union City, Oklahoma, to Jay and Ruby May (Neely) Brothers. He was raised and attended school in Union City.
He was inducted into the United States Marine Corps on November 6, 1967, proudly serving his country. Phillip was honorably discharged and awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Combat Action Ribbon and the Purple Heart Medal.
Phillip worked for General Motors, retiring to his home in Asher to farm and fish, after 25 years of service.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Ruby May Brothers; siblings, Rex Brothers of El Reno, Okla., Betty Mosher of Minco, Okla., Letha Shephard and husband, Floyd, of Lindsay, Okla., Lena Fuller and husband, Chuck, of Moore, Okla., and Connie Tinsley of Bridge Creek, Okla.
Survivors include his wife, Melinda Brothers; son, Clint Brothers, and wife, Ginger; daughter, Julie Shrout; grandchildren, Trey, Eric and Joseph; sister, Malinda “Bea” Meyers; brother, Rick Brothers and wife, Diana, of Union City, Okla. Phillip was blessed with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.
