Phil Stidham, 63, of Miami, Oklahoma, died in his home on Friday, November 25, 2011, surrounded by family. He fought a heroic battle against pancreatic cancer. Phil was born in Clinton, Oklahoma to Carl and Ethel Stidham and reared with a firm foundation of love, respect and discipline. He earned his Bachelors in Elementary Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and later a doctorate from Oklahoma State University. He served as either a teacher or principal in seven schools over a period of 27 years. He always said that he was a small town principal and a little kid person. He believed that kids should learn through doing, and he was a recognized leader in curriculum design. Phil considered himself an average man but was proud that he had earned the rank of Eagle Scout, was an avid outdoorsman, believed in the second amendment and had a vast knowledge of guns. He owned a ranch and was active in the cattle and pecan business.
He is survived by his wife, Sue and their two sons from her first marriage: Scott Glenn and his wife, Kristina from Stillwater, Oklahoma; Keith Glenn and his wife, Alyssa from Miami, Oklahoma. His first wife, Terry Mills and their three children: Dayna Shepherd; Sara Tankersley,, and Ben Stidham and his wife Stacy. His two brothers: Dale Stidham and his wife Diana from Sharon, Oklahoma; Neal Stidham and his wife Charlotte of Houston, Texas.
He is survived by seven grandchildren: Jacob Shepherd, Jared Shepherd, Paige Tankersley, Max Tankersley, Elise Glenn, Sydney Stidham and Kyla Glenn. He is also survived by special nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends who were just plain family to Phil.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ethel Stidham; one brother, Larry Stidham; his special Aunt Ellen; and Nyle Stidham who was reared like a brother.
Services will be Wednesday at 2:00 in the First Christian Church in Miami. Burial will follow in the G.A.R. Cemetery. Phil will also be available for visitation at the First Christian Church Chapel on Monday from 2-8 and Tuesday 10-8 but the family will come and go during these times. Family hours will be 6-8 Tuesday at the First Christian Church Chapel.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Washington Elementary School library for the purchase of reading books for little kids. These donations can be left at the chapel, at the church or sent directly to the school or Worley Luginbuel Funeral Home in Grove, Ok.
When Phil learned that he had pancreatic cancer, instead of saying, “Why me?” he simply said, “Why not me?” That was Phil Stidham.

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