Ward Franklin "Frank" Phipps, age 92, passed away on August 30, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, surrounded by the legacy of a life well lived and a family he deeply loved.

Frank was born on October 22, 1933, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to Dewey and Winifred Phipps. He grew up as one of seven children and graduated from Sapulpa High School. Following high school, Frank was drafted into the United States Army and later served with the U.S. Navy Seabee Reserves.

Frank met the love of his life, Linda Dale, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They were married on June 24, 1961, beginning a remarkable life together built on love, commitment, family, and devotion. Frank and Linda celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year-a beautiful testament to the life and family they built together.

Frank and Linda were blessed with two daughters, Tina Colston (Douglas) and Debbie Martin; four grandsons, Tyler Colston (Tracee), Casey Martin (Veronica), Grant Martin, and Chase Colston (Gabrielle); and two great-grandsons, Jackson Martin and Theodore Colston. His family was one of the greatest sources of pride and joy in his life.

Frank enjoyed a long and dedicated career with the United States Postal Service, retiring after 27 years of service as Manager of Vehicle Services. During his career, he continued his professional education through USPS management courses in Washington, D.C., as well as studies at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

Outside of his career, Frank was a gifted, self-taught woodcraftsman. With remarkable skill and patience, he built furniture and toys for his family-pieces that will continue to be treasured for generations. He was an avid reader, disciplined in everything he did, and a devoted fan of the Oklahoma Sooners.

A proud member of the "Silent Generation," Frank embodied many of its finest qualities. He was honest, humble, quiet, dependable, and kind. There seemed to be very little he could not repair, whether it was something around the house or under the hood of an American car. He took pride in caring for his home, his belongings, and, most importantly, his family.

Long before being "green" became popular, Frank believed in taking care of what you had, wasting little, reusing what you could, and leaving things better than you found them. He was famously neat and organized and knew exactly where every tool belonged-and expected it to be returned there.

Frank was a man who showed his love through his actions. He worked hard, provided faithfully, created things with his own hands, and was always there for his family. He did not need to be the loudest person in the room to make a lasting impression. His character, integrity, kindness, and devotion spoke for him.

Frank was the kind of husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and role model we should all strive to be. His family will deeply miss his steady presence, his quiet wisdom, and the example he set throughout his 92 years.

A memorial service honoring Frank's life will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 11am. Moore Funeral Home South, Tulsa, Oklahoma

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Frank's memory to the Toby Keith Foundation which provides a welcoming home for pediatric cancer patient and their families while fostering healing, hope, and happiness.