On May 10, 1944, in a small house about one-quarter of a mile south of this church, Phillip Wayne Carter was born to James R. and Josie Mae (Barnett) Carter. Joining him in the home were his three brothers and seven sisters: Carel, Opal, Ella Mae, Claudine, Helen, Frank, Margaret, Janie, Howe, and Wilma. Baby Louise would join them two years later.

Phil began his educational journey at age six at Lone Star Elementary, located next door to the church. He graduated from Coweta High School, Class of 1962.

He began his military career in 1964 by joining the Air Force. After boot camp in San Antonio, he was assigned to be a purchasing agent at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He spent the rest of his service stationed at the Air Force Academy.

In 1967, he began his college career at Oklahoma University in Norman, Oklahoma. He transferred to Northeastern State College for his sophomore and junior years. While at NSU, he met this cute, skinny girl that he fell head over heels for (me—I’m that girl). She was as smitten with him. They began dating in June of 1968. They were baptized together in July of 1968.

On June 6, 1969, he and Carole Cates were married at the First Baptist Church of Coweta. Their first and only child was born 18 months later. Shane Phillip Carter was Phil’s greatest pride and joy. They spent many happy years as a family of three.

Phil retired from Carter Insurance in Coweta at age 66. He and Carole traveled to all 50 states. They also traveled to Europe for a Viking Cruise through Hungary, Austria, and Germany.

At age 60, he received the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. It slowly progressed, and by age 80, he lost his ability to walk. After several serious falls, he became a resident of Ignite Long-Term Health Resort. He lived the last two years of his life there and made many new friends.

This past summer, he was diagnosed with Stage IV liver cancer and skin cancer. He was receiving immunotherapy at the St. Francis Cancer Center. He had completed two rounds of therapy.

God called Phillip home on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 1:45 p.m. He took his last breath in the arms of that cute, skinny girl he met on the campus of NSU 59 years earlier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and six sisters. Number 10, Wilma, and number 12, Louise Denton, are left to carry on his memory.

Phil’s death has left a large void in our lives. This cute, skinny girl will love him forever and ever.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Lone Star Baptist Church in Coweta, Oklahoma.

Family and friends are invited to share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Phillip Wayne Carter entrusted his care, service, and cremation to Brown’s Funeral & Cremation Service, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, Oklahoma 74429, 918-486-5515.