Dr Gene Douglas McPhail
Apr 26,1928 - Mar 1, 2017

Abernathy Aaron Funeral Home
Cresent, OK

Gene McPhail was born April 26, 1928 to Omer and Allinette McPhail in Mountain Park, Oklahoma. Gene was the oldest with three younger brothers, Willis, Paul, and Don. He grew up farming and picking cotton while living in a humble, one room home at the foot of the Wichita Mountains. After graduating from Mountain Park High School, Gene received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern State and began his teaching career in Cyril. After two months, during the Korean Conflict, he was drafted into the United States Army, serving as an officer in counter intelligence. One of his responsibilites was to fly over the German border to track troop movement. Gene's dream was to return home, continue his teaching career and start a family. While teaching in Davenport, he met Margaret Jean Bezinque. Due to the fact that he was the Principal and she was the home economics teacher, their courtship remained very private, spending a lot of time dating in Shawnee. Gene and Margaret were married in 1954. Gene continued his education earning his Master's Degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Gene's teaching career took him to Meeker, Roosevelt, Cordell, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and Cameron University . In 1969, Gene accepted a teaching position at Central State University, now University of Central Oklahoma. Gene served as chairman of many different departments and taught teacher education, administrator school law and school finance. Gene taught many teachers, principals and superintendents throughout his career and brought passion into his classes. He will forever be considered "The Sage" among his colleagues. Recently Gene was honored to have an office suite named for him at UCO's newly remodeled "Old North" Building. Gene has served his community as a member of the Crescent School Board, Lion's Club, American Legion and the Gideon's International.

Gene is survived by Margaret, his wife and soulmate of 63 years; their children, Allen, Lane, Bryan and Janene; daughters in law Cheryl, Joy and Kelley; grandchildren Adam, Ty, Brett, Ryan, Blane, Alesa, McKenna, Jana and Jake; great granchildren Adalynn, Addyson, Hunter, Gage, Wesson, Karlee and Raegan; his two brothers Don McPhail and Paul McPhail and many beloved nephews and nieces.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Omer and Allinette McPhail, brother Willis McPhail, son in law Bruce Fisher and numerous other family members.

Services will be March 7, 2017, 10 a.m. at Crescent First Baptist Church, burial will be in Mountain Park, Oklahoma.

Donations in Gene's honor may be made the The Gideon's International, P. O. Box 54, Guthrie,

Thank You For Your Service!