Philip Quinten

Read

Philip Quinten "Phil" Read, 101, of Cole, died Sunday, September 1, 2024, in Oklahoma City.  He was born in Cole, Oklahoma on June 27, 1923, the second child of Adrian Louis Read and Goldie Ann (Ross) Read.

Phil was born and lived in the house that his father built in 1912.  He attended Blanchard Schools graduating in 1940.  After graduating high school, Phil went to work in his father's store, Read's General Store, in Cole until he was drafted into the US Army Air Corps in 1944, where he served for two years during World War II.  He was stationed in Naples, Italy.  After the military, Phil returned to Cole where he went back to work for his father in the store.  While working in the store, he took on the role of Postmaster for the town of Cole until the post office closed in 1954.

Driving and seeing new places was something Phil enjoyed doing.  He bought a truck and trailer and hauled furniture across the country from coast to coast and border to border for about six months.  He was needed in the family store, so he returned to work in his father's store until he and his brother sold the business in 1970.

Phil liked to be busy. He became an overnight security guard for the oilfield companies and worked into the late 1980's.  He served three years as the Mayor of Cole and twelve years as a firefighter for the Cole Fire Department.

Phil's favorite activities were to drive around in his golf cart and to mow his yard on his zero-turn mower.  He accomplished both of these activities until well past his 100th birthday.

The Cole Community hosted a 100th birthday party for Phil on June 27, 2023, where he was inducted as an honorary member of the Oklahoma Centenarian group.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ross Read and Bob Read; and his cousin, James Mason.

Phil is survived by his cousin, Ronnie Mason and wife, Vickie, of Jones; longtime friends and neighbors, Tom and Gayle Dover of Cole; and many other loved ones and friends.

Phil was an inspiration to all who knew him. The community of Cole will greatly miss the conversations with him on his front porch, sharing the history and memories of the past 100+ years!  He was a part of the greatest generation.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the Eisenhour Funeral Home in Blanchard.  Graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, September 9, 2024, in the Blanchard Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made in Phil's name to the Cole Fire Department.  Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard.  Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.