Phillip Eugene Trogdon

Phillip Eugene Trogdon, 90, of Pryor, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. He was born on October 1, 1934, in Pryor, where he was raised on a small farm in the rural countryside. From an early age, Phillip developed a strong work ethic, helping his father with farm chores and driving a tractor while still in grade school. During his years at Pryor High School, Phillip was an active member of the FFA. He raised and showed steers, earning the prestigious title of Grand Champion at the Tulsa State Fair. After graduating, he ventured to Montana to work as a roughneck in the oil fields, later working across Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. After two years, he returned to Oklahoma to marry his high school sweetheart, Mary Jo Brown. He then worked alongside his father-in-law, milking cows, baling hay, and farming. Phillip’s career in the oil industry took him to Texas and New Mexico, where he steadily advanced, eventually being placed in charge of a drilling rig in New Mexico. His hard work and leadership skills led to an opportunity with Phillips Petroleum Company in Australia, where he worked for two years. Though he enjoyed the industry, Phillip decided to settle closer to home and purchased his father-in-law’s dairy farm outside of Pryor. For nine years, he and his three daughters milked over a hundred cattle twice a day while also raising silage, hay, and corn to support the dairy operation. After deciding he was too young to fully retire, Phillip returned to the oil fields and was hired by Hess Oil Corporation as a drilling supervisor based in Tulsa. His expertise and dedication led to his promotion as a drilling superintendent, overseeing about twenty drilling rigs across the United States in locations such as North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Texas, California, New Mexico, Alabama, and Oklahoma. Having worked his way up from a roughneck to a drilling superintendent, Phillip took great pride in his accomplishments. When the company relocated to Houston, he was offered early retirement. However, his expertise was still in demand, and he continued working off and on as a drilling supervisor in California, North Dakota, and Oklahoma for another two years. Even in retirement, Phillip remained active. A skilled carpenter, he devoted much of his time to his church, Salina First Baptist, where he helped construct new additions to the building. He also crafted furniture for his daughters, grandchildren, and anyone in need of his woodworking talents. Additionally, he served on the Mayes County Rural Water Board #6, always looking for ways to contribute to his community. Phillip found great joy in living by the lake, staying productive, and spending time with his family. His hardworking nature, generosity, and unwavering commitment to those he loved will forever be cherished by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and love. Phillip Eugene Trogdon will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2025, in the Salina First Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Waechter officiating. Burial will follow in the Graham Memorial Cemetery with Sam Stutzman, Ben Stutzman, Bryan Cross, Steven Purkey, Tyler Purkey, and Patrick White serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers will be John Trogdon, Frank Owings, Clint Cross and Randy Kersker. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Salina First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Salina First Baptist Church. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service. 

Phillip is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Jo Trogdon; his daughters, Teresa Stutzman and husband Curt of Pryor, Oklahoma, Brenda Cross and husband Doug of Pryor, Oklahoma, and Diane Purkey and husband Chuck of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; brother, Johnny Trogdon of Pryor, Oklahoma; sisters, Joyce Walsh and husband J.D. of Chouteau, Oklahoma, and Carolyn Sheats of Pryor, Oklahoma; 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Esther Trogdon; sister, Virginia; grandson, Trenton Purkey; brother, Dale Trogdon; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Sheats.