Philip Gale Elerick

PHILIP GALE ELERICK November 30, 1947 ~ February 13, 2024

VISITATION Friday, February 16, 2024 3:00 pm ~ 7:00 pm

CELEBRATION OF LIFE 2:00 pm Saturday, February 17, 2024 Bethel Church 3254 North Choctaw Road Choctaw, OK.

Philip Gale Elerick entered this world on November 30, 1947. He passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents: Max and Bonnie Elerick, and his brother Jim Elerick. He is survived by wife Kathy Hill Elerick, daughter Cate Elerick Cheatwood and her husband Chad, son Chris Elerick, wife Keri, and grandsons Drew and Grant, as well as brother Johnny Pat Elerick, sister Karen Campo and sister Kathi Pruitt. And now, the rest of the story… Phil attended school and church in Jones, Oklahoma as part of a family of 5 brothers and sisters. Growing up in the 1950’s with 4 siblings, mayhem in some form or fashion was generally the norm. The results, while somewhat harmless, have been the focal point of stories at family reunions and gatherings for decades. In high school, 2 things happened that shaped the rest of his life. He developed into an exceptional athlete with a strong arm garnering attention from baseball scouts and college football coaches alike; and more importantly he met a girl who eventually became his wife of 55 years. After high school he attended OSU on a full athletic scholarship. After leaving school Phil was drafted by the Army and just before deployment, he and Kathy eloped to Dallas to get married. Phil Elerick served our country in Vietnam as a Combat Medic with the 101st from May 1968 - May 1969 and was awarded the Bronze Star along with other commendations. Upon his return he graduated from Central State (UCO) where he played baseball and got his degree. Over the next 4 decades life happened. As a successful football coach, he always enjoyed the next challenge, so Coach and Mrs. E made many towns across the state their home. Whether it was Billings, Chandler, Cashion, Ryan, Turpin, Cordell, Drumright or any of the other stops in between, there was always a common theme: winning games, but more importantly winning at life by helping others. While their home was always open and a place of hospitality, he had a knack for motivating not only his teams, but finding those who needed a kind word, a bit of reassurance, or maybe a handwritten note. His career was highlighted with 194 wins, 2 state championships and 3 state runner-up finishes. He was a member of the 8-man coaches association and In 2009, he was awarded a Hall of Fame induction by the Oklahoma Coaches Association. In 2001 he got his favorite title of Grandpa and soon became known as Pops. His favorite hobby became watching ball games from T-ball all the way through the twins' college football career. Phil enjoyed his time traveling with Kathy, and their frequent trips to the casino with his brother. Today we say goodbye to a man who stood in the gap for so many over the years. Tip of the cap Legend.