On June 18, 2025 Phillip "Phil" Richard Erke joined Carla. His disease has been on a steady decline, but he faced it with courage and only wanted to find ways to improve his quality of life. He had recently lost his son, Rick and grandson, Richard Thomas Erke; he has two grandsons, Brian Dalton Erke and Aaron Tripp Erke and was so happy to have the opportunity to connect with both of them.

Phil was born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas in 1942 and just recently turned 83. He had a brother, James August Erke who was 90 years old and passed in 2022. His parents were Oscar and Bonnie, and he has a niece, Brenda Accord.

Phil graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999. He had many other certifications, one being APICS which certified him in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and was also a Qualified Instructor. He is a senior member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Institute of Industrial Engineers.

Phil may have lost the battle with his health, but he is happy to be with the Queen of his Heart, Carla, who he affectionately called Carlos. They were both loved, and will be missed by many.

Funeral service will be 11:00am, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 in Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Chapel.