October 24, 1935 ~ August 7, 2016
Phillip Charles Kaniatobe, son of David Kaniatobe and Agnes Hopson, was born on October 24, 1935 in Broken Bow, Oklahoma and departed this life on August 7, 2016 in Muskogee, Oklahoma at the age of 80 years, 9 months and 13 days.
He was a very dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather to his family. He was a 1952 Wright City High School graduate, received his associates from Parris Junior College, Bachelor Degree from Southeastern, his master's degree in education from NSU in Tahlequah and graduate work at Penn State. He was a lifetime educator going from coach to teacher, from principal to superintendent and everything in between. It was not uncommon to find him doing janitorial work or anything needed to make his school run smoothly. He also enjoyed golfing, traveling and spending time with his family.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents who raised him, his beloved wife; Thelma Kaniatobe and one sister.
He is survived by a very loving family that includes his three children; Kim Laurie Carroll of Tahlequah, Keith Phillip Kaniatobe of Muskogee, Kelly Matthew Kaniatobe of Fayetteville, Ark., one grandchild; David Lee Carroll of Texarkana, Texas, one great-grandson, Jeron Kaniatobe Carroll, granddaughter-in- law; Wessie Tucker both of Sour Lake, Texas, brother; David Nathan Kaniatobe and wife Jody of Denton, Texas, sister, Neenah Kaniatobe , several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends also survive him.
Memorial services were held Friday, August 12, 2016 at Roberts/Reed- Culver Chapel, Stilwell, with Larry Adair officiating.