James Philip McMahan

James Philip McMahan was born on November 30, 1924, in Okemah, Oklahoma to James W. McMahan and Hazel (Ruby) McMahan. He entered into the eternal presence of God on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, in Oklahoma City at the age of 91. Philip had been a lifelong resident of Okemah and a second generation graduate of Okemah High School, in 1942. Since then, two more generations of McMahans have graduated from Okemah with a fifth generation expected to graduate in 2029. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Phillips University in 1946. Philip worked for 65 consecutive years at the Citizens State Bank in Okemah, which does not include the summer jobs he held at the bank as a youth. In June of 1950 he began in bookkeeping, was promoted to teller, then assistant cashier, cashier, loan officer and then to Vice-President. He was made Senior Vice President in the early 1970’s where he remained until June of 2015. Philip was a devout Christian and a devoted member of the First Christian Church of Okemah, where his parents and grandparents before him were members and where he raised his four children. Philip served as church treasurer and trustee since the 1950’s. He also served as an elder for many years and in 2008 was made an Elder in Highest Esteem. Philip was a member of many civic clubs in Okemah, including the Lion’s Club and Kiwanis. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. Philip served on the Okemah School Board from 1966-1978. Anyone who knew Philip knew how much he loved and adored his wife, Madelyn Jean Craig. They were married on June 8, 1950. Because of his childhood diabetes, Philip never expected to marry or have children, yet he and Madelyn were married 47 wonderful years and had four children, four grandchildren and as of now, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, and one daughter, Pam Stone. He is survived by his two sons, Craig McMahan of Okemah and Brett McMahan and wife Valerie of Okemah; one daughter, Jeannie McMahan of Okemah; one son-in-law, Ron Stone of Nash, Oklahoma. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Heather Capelle and husband Peter of Mamaroneck, New York; Andrea Anderson and husband Jeff of Okemah; Travis McMahan of Okemah; and Kindann Barahona and husband Felipe of Cabot, Arkansas. His great-grandchildren always put a smile on his face; they are Camden and Cale Anderson and Lucas and Spencer Capelle, as well as Tara (Anderson) and husband Josh Gardenhire; Corey Anderson; Erika Barahona; Alessandra Barahona; and Luis Barahona. His great-great grandchildren are Javin and Jaxon Gardenhire. Services for Philip McMahan will be held Saturday, August 27, 2016, at 2:00 P.M. at the First Christian Church in Okemah with Rev. Doug Hauenstein officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends. Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Okemah. Donations are welcome, in memory of Philip McMahan, to the First Christian Church of Okemah, Oklahoma.

James Philip McMahan

November 30, 1924 - August 16, 2016