Phil Lewis Beatty

Phil Lewis Beatty passed away on April 19, 2017, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 69. He was a retired minister for the United Methodist Church and served at Grace United Methodist in Krebs, Oklahoma; Stuart United Methodist in Stuart, Oklahoma; and First United Methodist in Antlers, Oklahoma. He was also a retired teacher for the McAlester Public Schools where he taught computer applications and finance. His previous employments included serving as the Executive Vice President for the McAlester Chamber of Commerce; Accountant for Red Ark Development Authority; Manager for Three Rivers Produce; and an independent auditor for the oil and gas industry.

Phil graduated from Antlers High School in Antlers, Oklahoma. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma and his Master’s Degree from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and son. He was also a lifelong learner and looked for a lesson in every experience.

Phil felt called to lead a worship service at Jackie Brannon Correctional Center monthly. He enjoyed playing the trumpet with the McAlester Balcony Brass. He also wrote gardening articles for the McAlester News Capital and Democrat. He served as assistant leader for the Boy Scouts Troop 2 and a proud moment of his was participating and watching his son, Phillip, obtain the designation of Eagle Scout. He enjoyed spending time walking in the woods of his childhood homestead and sharing this passion with his children and grandchildren. Phil was an avid reader, enjoyed genealogy, and “knew a little information about a lot of things”.

Phil was preceded in death by his father, Henry Beatty. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janice Marshall Beatty; daughter and son-in-law, Scott and Meredith Selman of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son and daughter-in-law, Phillip and Jana Beatty of Hurlburt Field, Florida; mother, Dorothy “Polly” Beatty of Antlers, Oklahoma; and grandchildren Lydia Selman, Claire Selman, Henry Selman, and Grant Selman.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Bob Finley, Gerald Dennis, Chester Dennis, Greg Pile, Wayne Harrison, Ocal Paul Jones, Jr., Harvey Bollinger, and Calvin Smith.

Memorial Service will be Monday, April 24, 1:00 pm. at First United Methodist Church, McAlester. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Phil to First United Methodist Building Fund, McAlester.