Don Phillips, Mooreland resident passed away Monday, April 28, 2025, at the age of 86. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Mooreland Cemetery.

Don Eldon Phillips was born in a dugout house north of Mooreland on June 20, 1938. He was the son of Jimmie G. and Madeliene B. (Irwin) Phillips. Don grew up in Mooreland, Oklahoma, and graduated from Mooreland High School in 1956. Don was united in marriage to Linda Sue White on March 12, 1957, at Linda's parents' home in Mooreland. To this union four children were born. Don was primarily a farmer, rancher, and cattle buyer but had other business interests also.

Don worked on the railroad for a short time, and then agriculture became a large part of his life. He told many stories of the crops he grew, from sweet potatoes to alfalfa to rye.  Don got his pilot's license and owned a Mooney airplane. In 1970, he and good friend, Lowell Teter were flying Lowell's plane to check irrigated crops and suffered a fatal crash.  Workers in the field were able to pull Don from the plane.  He suffered multiple injuries and a shattered leg, which greatly affected his life from there on out.  But, upon recovering, his optimism for commerce opportunities continued.

The family moved to Oklahoma City, where Don started a restaurant liquidation business and owned the Buick Building located at Broadway and 10th in downtown Oklahoma City.  Don was not afraid to try new business adventures.  Upon moving back to Mooreland, he designed and built Sand Hill Cattle Co Steak House located west of Mooreland.  He and Linda owned and operated the business for several years, known for quality steaks in an elegant cowboy atmosphere.  All the children worked in the restaurant. This restaurant resulted in a second restaurant, Trader's Bistro in Woodward.  Don also enjoyed designing and built houses, a duplex and apartments in Woodward.

After all the children were out of the house, Don and Linda moved to El Paso, Texas for a period of time where Don returned to being a cattle buyer for cattle out of Mexico.

He and Linda returned to Mooreland where they enjoyed their grandchildren and were involved in 4-H and FFA as supporting grandparents. In his older years, Don enjoyed reminiscing, telling stories, taking drives through the country, and experimenting with recipes in the kitchen.  After Linda's passing in 2014, Don took charge of the yard. He replaced Linda's flower beds with native grasses so they were drought tolerant and required minimal care.

Don is survived by his 4 children, son Jim Phillips of Mooreland; daughter Tamara Forbes (Vince) of Elkhart, KS; daughter Cindy Whitfield (Steve) of Oklahoma City; and son Jeff Phillips (Sherri) of Mooreland. He is survived by 10 grandchildren: Julie Steinheider (Matt) of Houston, TX; Sam Dubnansky of Pittsburg, PA; Hilary Webb of Gibsonia, PA; Natasha Lyons of Morgantown, WV; Jill Simmons (Rod) of Woodward, OK; Jennifer Johnston (David) of Edmond, OK; Austin Whitfield of Georgetown, TX; Taylor Rosales (Bo) of Austin, TX; Jared Phillips of Mooreland; and Jacob Phillips of Woodward, OK. He is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren: Jane and Maggie Steinheider, Jackson and Sidney Simmons, and Ken Johnston.  Don is also survived by his lifelong friend, Omer Burdick of Mooreland.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Madeliene and loving wife, Linda.  He was also proceeded by his younger brother, Robert; his beloved aunts, Mertie Dillon and Jessie Sheldon of Colorado; and his uncle, Orlie Phillips of Monett, Missouri.