Freeman Phil Dillard

  Freeman Phil Dillard passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, after a short illness in Enid, Oklahoma. He was born on October 27, 1940, in Tom, Oklahoma, to Virgil and Faye Dillard, and from the very beginning he lived life with grit, humor, and a whole lot of heart.

Freeman grew up in Tom and spent his summers on his uncles’ farm in rural Caldwell, where he learned the joys of early mornings, good soil, and the kind of hard work that builds character. In 1959, he and his sweetheart, Norma, moved to Sumner County to start their life together—a partnership full of love, laughter, and plenty of stories they collected along the way.

  Freeman was a farmer and rancher through and through. He had a special touch with animals—whether it had hooves, paws, or a stubborn streak, he could tame it, heal it, or teach it something new. He had the patience of a saint and the humor of a man who had seen a few things and lived to tell the tale.

  He served his community with pride: in the Army Reserves, on local and county boards, as a member of the Masonic Lodge of Pond Creek, and even as a reserve officer for the Caldwell Police Department. Wherever he showed up, he offered steadiness, wisdom, and a grin that hinted he probably had a good story to tell if you asked.

  Freeman was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Jean Dillard; daughters Marla Farmer (Benny Farmer) of Enid, Oklahoma, and Vikki Gibson (Lee Gibson) of Edgerton, Missouri; and his sister Donna Kay Baxter of Idabel, Oklahoma.

 He was a proud Papaw to six grandchildren and their families:

– Monica and Kendall Clark, with great-grandchildren Kyra and Kaemon Clark

– Mitchell Farmer

– Allison Regier, with great-grandchildren Rhett and Tessa Regier

– Carly and Hunter Heaton, with great-grandson Arlo Heaton

– Gwen and Griffin Gambrill

Freeman was the family storyteller—the one who could keep everyone laughing with a memory from the farm or a moment with a horse that didn’t quite go as planned. He was an avid horseman, a gentle soul, and someone who made the world feel lighter just by being in it. His love, humor, and unwavering strength will live on in every person who had the privilege of knowing him.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Family Life Center, 221 S 2nd St, Pond Creek, OK 73766, officiated by Rev. George Lupton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harvey’s Kids, Methodist Church in Pond Creek in c/o Wilson Funeral Home, Pond Creek, OK.