Dwaine Phillips

Charles Dwaine Phillips, 86, passed away at his home on November 10, 2022. Dwaine was born on December 10, 1935, where he grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Central High School. He attended Connors State College, graduating with an Associate degree. While at Connors, Dwaine met the love of his life Dorothy Abbott, they were married in Checotah on June 26, 1960.

Dwaine was drafted by the US Army and did his basic training in Ft. Hood and Ft. Sill, where he specialized in corporal guided missiles. Dorothy joined Dwaine in Lawton and upon completion of his training, he was stationed in Kitzingen, Germany, where he and Dorothy lived for around a year and a half.

Upon returning to Oklahoma City, Dwaine became employed by the Jergens company. After several successful years in sales, Dwaine began his dream of having his own company and established Buster's Pools and Spas in 1977. Not only did Dwaine build pools, but he also designed and patented his own pool cover. Dwaine's work was meticulous, doing most of it himself with minimal crew. He retired in 2019.

Dwaine loved the endless hours Dorothy and the girls spent enjoying the pool. On other weekends, Dwaine and his family would spend time on his boat, or he would be coaching them in softball and basketball.

During the winter months, Dwaine would take his family on ski trips to Colorado and New Mexico. They would meet his brother-in law Butch and his family in Liberal, KS and travel together. Snow skiing stories are still shared and laughed about to this day.

As his girls married and had families of their own, they would often visit for summer fun at the pool. And as those grandchildren and great-grandchildren became active in their own activities, he and Dorothy rarely missed a game or event.

The most special time of year for Dwaine was Christmas. He loved everything about the holiday and the home was decorated from top to bottom with collections of Christmas cheer. After dinner, kids would sit and listen to a special Christmas Book. After singing a song or two, the kids would all be surprised by a knock on the door and a visit from Santa. Dwaine loved having his picture taken with Dorothy, the girls, and their families. This year will be difficult and different without his smile and love for all of us.

Dwaine was a Christian with a loving and caring heart for all. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Claudia Phillips, his sisters Clara Crider, Mary Jo Tarter, and Charlene Beck. He is survived by his wife Dorothy and his four daughters: Elizabeth Sawatzky and husband Mark of Oklahoma City, Katherine Bishop and husband Roy of Oklahoma City, Judith Phillips and her wife Liz of Mansfield, Tx, and Susan Betts and her husband Dayton of Mustang. His six grandchildren: Samantha Stepanek and her husband Neil of Yukon, Michael Hart and his wife Morgan of Edmond, Whitney Marvin and husband Austin of Yukon, Barrett Sawatzky and his wife Patty of Bridge Creek, Kolby Betts of Mustang, and Chance Betts of Mustang. His nine great-grandchildren: Lincoln and Ralston Stepanek; Becklynn and Walker Hart; Brooklyn, Huntlee, and Axton Marvin; Greyson and Sadie Sawatzky. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Brothers in Recovery, 10700 South Choctaw Rd, Newalla, OK 74857. www.brothersinrecovery.com or SWOSU Football Legacy Fund, c/o SWOSU Foundation, 100 Campus Dr, Weatherford, OK 73096. www.GiveToSWOSU.com

Viewing will be held 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., on Monday, November 14, 2022 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 15, at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel, Yukon, with interment at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 16 at Greenlawn Cemetery, Checotah, OK.