Phillip Gene Burkes

Phillip Gene Burkes, 66, of Helena, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026 surrounded by those who loved him most.

Phil was born July 4, 1960 in Cherokee, Oklahoma, to Walter and Phyllis Burkes. The youngest of four children, he loved and looked up to each of his siblings- Mark, Barbara, and Judy. At a young age, Phil was given the nickname “Tuffy” by his Grandpa JB. No one seems to know exactly how the name came about, although Phil said it was because he was tough. He definitely proved that claim by fighting with strength and determination the last three and a half years. He graduated from Carmen-Dacoma High School in 1978, where he was an outstanding athlete- 8 Man All Star honors in football, and a talented basketball player. If you asked Phil about it, though, you probably would have never known. In fact, it wasn’t until very recently, while looking through his old yearbooks, that his kids realized how successful their dad had been in sports. That was Phil- humble, never needing recognition or praise for the things he had done.

On November 4, 1983, Phillip married Paula Berg, or “Matilda” as he affectionately called her, and for almost 43 years, they built a life together centered around family. They raised their boys, became grandparents, worked hard, made countless casino trips, and simply enjoyed life together. Through all of the ordinary days and the difficult ones, Paula was by Phil’s side. She was his wife, his partner, and his constant, especially throughout the last few years while he fought cancer. The life they built together and the family they built along the way, were among the things Phillip treasured most.

Phil was the proud father of Ty and Teague. Both boys were exceptionally talented athletes, perhaps carrying on a little of their dad’s natural ability. He loved to watch them in their element, whether that was carting them to practice multiple nights a week- with a quick McDonalds stop for Big Macs along the way- or watching them play. He was always proud of what his boys accomplished.

As his boys grew up, Phil had the joy of watching them become men and welcoming Tiffany and Jessi into the family. With those marriages, the family grew, and before long- he stepped into one of his favorite roles of all- Crapaw- to Emmerson, Ryder, Cort, Blakely, Henry, and Lincoln. If one of his grandkids had something going on, chances were Phil was there. He followed them to activities whenever he could and asked for every detail over the phone when he couldn’t. He celebrated their accomplishments and was immensely proud of each one. Through every stage of life, family was at the heart of who Phil was.

Phil was a hardworking man who was always willing to lend a hand. He helped during harvest when he was needed, mowed yards for countless people around town, and was always ready to fire up the grill and make burgers for Timberlake teams when they needed someone. No job was too small, and he never needed recognition. He was the kind of person who didn't need to be asked twice when someone needed help. He was genuine, dependable, and generous—a man who truly would give anyone the shirt off his back.

Throughout his life, Phil had plenty of things he enjoyed. In his younger years, he raced motocross and later spent time team roping. He loved coyote hunting with his dogs, keeping up with Tradio, joining Paula on casino trips, and spending time with family and friends. He became an avid college softball fan, especially during the Women’s College World Series, and a fan of Wheel of Fortune. Rarely could you stop by the house without finding Phil watching one or another.

Phil also had a special companion in his dog, Zoe, who was by his side for 18 years. Zoe loved going for rides with Phil, and she was a familiar presence beside him through many years of everyday life. Her recent passing was a tremendous loss to Phil, and there is comfort in knowing that two longtime companions who spent so many years together are now together again.

More than anything, Phil loved his people. He wasn’t someone who needed a lot of attention or recognition and he didn’t have to say much for you to know he cared. He showed it in the way he lived- in working hard, lending a hand, showing up when he could, and always wanting to know what was going on with the people he loved.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Phyllis Burkes, and his beloved dog, Zoe.

He leaves behind his wife, Paula; his children, Ty (Tiffany) Burkes and Teague (Jessi) Burkes; his grandchildren, Emmerson, Ryder, Cort, Blakely, Henry, and Lincoln; his brother, Mark (Anne) Burkes; his sisters, Barbara (Billy) Sacket and Judy (Mike) Elliott; in-laws, Dean and Charlene Berg; brother-in-law, Charlie (Robin) Berg; many nieces and nephews along with family, friends, and countless others whose lives were better because they knew him.

Phil will be remembered for his work ethic, his generosity, his devotion to his family, and the genuine way he cared for people. His absence will be deeply felt, but the love he gave, the memories he made, and the example he set will remain with his family for generations to come.

Services for Phil will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Timberlake High School Auditorium in Helena, Oklahoma. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.