Thomas Carlisle Phillips

Thomas Carlisle Phillips, Gkoy-hohñawn-k’ée, (Kiowa road man or knows his ways), lovingly known as Tom and Dad, was born on April 12, 1944, in Lawton, OK. to Roxie Kodaseet and William “Bill” Phillips. He passed away on March 30, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family in Manteca, CA. 
He was raised alongside with his siblings: Sister Barbara, Sister Bessie, Brother Jake, Sister Sharon, Sister Vera, Sister Rita, Brother Jacob, Brother John, Brother Luke, and Brother Patrick. He also cherished the time he spent living with Uncle Frank and Aunt Nina Kodaseet, where he made lasting memories that stayed with him throughout his life. Family was the foundation of his life, shaping the man he would become. 
Tom was an enrolled member of the Kiowa Tribe and a descendant of Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Tom was raised in the traditions of his Kiowa people, carrying those teachings with pride throughout his life. 
He graduated from Anadarko High School in 1962 and moved to California through the Bureau of Indian Affairs relocation program. He went to a Maritime Academy in San Francisco and worked as a cook on steamships and in restaurants in Sausalito, CA. He later served as a Merchant Marine, spending nearly ten years traveling the world during the Vietnam era. During that time, he experienced many places and cultures, yet he always carried his identity, his people, and his roots with him wherever he went.
After his years at sea, Tom dedicated his life to social services for over 40 years, contributing to helping support and uplift individuals, families, and communities. He served organizations across the state of California, including the California Bay Area Native organizations in Oakland and the San Francisco Friendship House, where he continued his work beyond retirement. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pacific in Stockton, CA., continued to the University of California Berkeley for a Master of Social Welfare, and later worked toward doctoral studies in Sociology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. His commitment continued through education, as he became a Professor of Sociology at California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, CA., for over 20 years. He shared not only academic knowledge but also life experience, cultural understanding, and wisdom. His presence in the classroom left a lasting impact on countless students. 
He was a man of deep tradition, strong voice, and an even stronger love for his people and family. Tom was widely known for his gift of speaking, and served as a respected Master of Ceremonies at powwows and events locally and across the United States and Canada for over 50 years. His voice and his ability to bring people together made him someone who was called upon time and time again. Out of all the places he spoke, his greatest honor was announcing for his own people at the Kiowa Gourd Clan.
Beyond the arena, Tom was a devoted husband to his wife Wanda Phillips for fifty years, proud father to his children, and even prouder grandfather to his grandchildren. His love for his family was unwavering, and he gave freely of himself, his time, his wisdom, his laughter, and his presence.
Tom will be remembered for his strength, his humor, his storytelling, and the way he made people feel seen and valued. He carried himself with dignity and spoke with purpose, leaving behind a legacy rooted in culture, service, education, family, and love.
Though he has taken his journey onward, his voice will continue to echo in the songs, in the arenas, and in the hearts of all who heard him. His legacy will live on through his family, his students, and the traditions he carried so proudly.
He is survived by his wife Wanda Phillips of Manteca, CA.; children: Crystal Phillips of San Leandro, CA., Tommy and Jo Anna Phillips of Manteca, CA., Carlisle and Amber Phillips of Sacramento, CA., Pepper and Michael Singh of Manteca, CA., Samuel “Sammy” and Annette Phillips of Manteca, CA., Jude Killsplenty Cruz and LeAnne Lomayestewa of Phoenix, AZ.; grandchildren: Taelyne, Ty, Tsailee, Talon, Tommie Jean of Wadsworth, NV., Kiersey Phillips of Klamath Falls, OR., Lya, Marcelino, and Katalina Castillo of San Jose, CA.; Destyni, Angelo, Cyrus, Raymundo, Analiesia, Enrique, Carlisle, Pressley, Nizhoni, and Giovani of Sacramento, CA.; Michaela, Tahlee, and Juniper of Manteca, CA.; Leo, Ben, and Masiela Guerrero of Manteca, CA.; Isis Rain and Adonis of Phoenix, AZ.; Bryci Asetamy of Wadsworth, NV. Siblings Barbara and Ken Wilson of Lawton, OK., Sharon Blackwell of Oklahoma City, OK., Veralyn Wahkinney of Lawton, OK.; Jacob Tsotigh of Lawton, OK.; John and Reta Tsotigh of Moore, OK.; Patrick Tsotigh of Norman, OK.; Bill Phillips of Tulsa, OK., Alice Osborn of Eufaula, OK., and many more brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and extended family throughout Indian Country.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Roxie Kodaseet Tsotigh, Rev. Jacob Sherwood Tsotigh Sr., William Phillips, grandparents Carlisle Calisay and Bessie Kokoom, siblings Jacob Ed Tsotigh, Luke Tsotigh, Bessie Ramirez, Rita Brewer, William Phillips Jr., Thomas Phillips, Mathew Phillips, Patricia Phillips, Rosemary Phillips, son Anthony Asetamy, granddaughters Journey Singh and Kachina Guerrero. 
The family invited all who knew and loved Tom to join in honoring his life and legacy. A viewing will be Friday, April 10, 2026, from 12-6 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. at Comanche Nation Funeral Home, officiated by Marilyn Bread.
Funeral services were Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11 a.m., officiated by Rev. Bill Foote. Burial  followed at Mt. Scott KCA Cemetery under the direction of Comanche Nation Funeral Home. A meal was held afterward at Mt. Scott Comanche United Methodist Church.
Pallbearers included Tommy Phillips, Carlisle Phillips (Sr.), Samuel “Sammy” Phillips, Ty Phillips, Talon Phillips, Carlisle Phillips, Tahlee Singh, Pressley James Phillips and Jude Yarholar.
Honorary Pallbearers Jacob Tsotigh, John Tsotigh, Pat Tsotigh, Jude Kills Plenty Cruz, Raymundo Diaz, Enrique Hernandez, Marcelino Castillo, Alan James Doyah, Jacob Henry Tsotigh, Andrew Tsotigh, Blaine Tsotigh, Chad Tsotigh, Christopher Kopaddy, Christopher Tsotigh, Craig Tsotigh, Eagle Williams, Ivan Tsotigh, Jacob Tsotigh III, Joey Wahkiney, Kevin Wahkiney, Luke Jr. Tsotigh, Michael Ray Satepahoodle, Wayne Satepahoodle and Cortney Yarholar.  
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14 12 Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other.14 And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.