Phillip Weldon Langston

Phillip Weldon Langston, 79, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023, in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Phillip was born on Friday, March 24, 1944, in Seminole, Oklahoma to William and Sarah (Fulcher) Langston. He graduated from Pauls Valley High School, Pauls Valley, Ok. Phillip went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from East Central University, Ada, Ok, and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, earning both degrees in hotel and restaurant administration.

On June 3, 1967, Phillip married Linda Gutshall. In 1988, they made their home in Shawnee, relocating from Mississippi. They recently celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Phillip served in the United States Navy for 4 years and was a Vietnam veteran. While serving, he attended officer school to become a lieutenant in the Navy.

Throughout Phillip’s career he served in many capacities. He was a partner in and managed Preferred Home Health in Shawnee for several years. He also worked for the Oklahoma Department of Health, as well as a medical officer at the Boley State Prison where he retired. Hospital administration was truly his life’s work.

When Phillip wasn’t working, he owned and operated his own farm and raised cattle. He and Linda enjoyed working on the farm and in their younger years, riding horses. Linda rode Western while Phillip rode English style. Phillip was also a member of the Shawnee Kiwanis Club.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sarah Langston; a brother, William Langston; and a sister, Frances Adams.

Those left to cherish is memory are his wife, Linda Langston; a son, P. Ryan Langston; and his daughter, Harper Arms and her husband, Bryan; a granddaughter, Sydnie Linda Arms; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, W. Terry and Frieda Gutshall; and life-long friends, Dr. Michael and Gay Steward; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.