Phillip Edward Haddad

Phillip Edward Haddad passed into the Hands of Our Lord on March 29, 2022. He was 92 years old. He left a lasting legacy of family, friends, and memories. All those close to him benefited from his love and spirit that he so willingly shared with all. Phillip was born on April 30, 1929, in Altus, Oklahoma to David and Adele Haddad. In 1935, the family moved to Coweta, Oklahoma and opened a grocery store with a help-yourself laundry. Phillip began second grade in Coweta and graduated at age 17 from Coweta High School in May of 1946. A few months later in August, Phillip enlisted in the US Army. He served two years and was honorably discharged in 1948. He then enrolled at Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His university education was interrupted for 11 months when he was called back into military service in 1950 during the Korean Conflict. Upon discharge, Phillip reentered NSU to complete his degree and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelors of Arts in Business Education and received his teaching and administrator's certificates. His diligence to complete his degree in four years after his discharge was evident as he attended summer school to make up the hours he had missed during his nearly one year of service in Korea.After graduation, Phillip taught one year in Gore, Oklahoma and then moved to Wichita, Kansas where he taught for three years. During that time, he would drive to Stillwater, Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma A & M (now Oklahoma State University) where he completed his Master's Program in School Administration. With his Master's Degree, Phillip moved back to Coweta in 1956 and began an eleven span as a teacher, school counselor and ultimately as Assistant School Superintendent. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Neena Shadid, at the funeral of Neena's brother-in-law. A few months later they began corresponding which sparked a long-distance courtship as Neena lived in Oklahoma City. They were married on July 29, 1962. One year later, their first son, Phillip Anthony (Tony) was born on June 23, 1963, and on September 24, 1964 their second son, Jeffery James was born.In 1967, Phillip was hired by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC). Phillip also joined the US Naval Reserves in the same year. In 1972, the family moved to Oklahoma City where Phillip began working at the OESC State Office and Neena, who had begun her teaching career in Coweta, started teaching for Putnam City Public Schools. Phillip held many positions during his time with OESC. He rose to the position of Employment Services Director. He retired from the Naval Reserves in 1989 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and a few years later in 1991, he retired from OESC. Shortly after his OESC retirement, Phillip along with Neena, who also retired in 1991 from her teaching career began a five-year stint with the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) where they travelled the state conducting national testing in various school districts. The testing of fourth, eighth and twelfth grade students was assimilated in the Nation's Report Card which provides important information about student achievement and learning experiences in various subjects. Among his achievements, Phillip was a proud and lifelong member of the American Legion, Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV) as well as the Oklahoma Educators Association (OEA). He was particularly active with the American Legion and held several positions, most notably the American Legion National Historian in 1980. He was also extremely active in Oklahoma Boy's State. For 40 years, Phillip lent his expertise and leadership to the Boy's State Program. His list of credits with Boy's State is immeasurable and was honored in 2021 with a special ceremony recognizing his tireless efforts of support and leadership.After five years with NAEP, Phillip and Neena decided it was time to enjoy retirement and a growing family of grandchildren and later great-grandchildren. During those retirement years, they did some travelling which included a cruise around Alaska and the Canadian western coast. They also enjoyed trips to Remington Park to watch the horse races and pull a few arms of the slot machines at various casinos. It was a fun diversion for them and more of a social outing as Neena's brother and wife joined them.Phillip was an incredibly patient man who so rarely became agitated. He enjoyed people and never spoke harshly of anyone. He exhibited a tireless work ethic and was capable in so many things. He was also an incredibly strong man, both physically and emotionally. He was the patriarch of the family and carried much burden on his shoulders. Yet, never did he complain; he would provide comfort, care and calm to all around. His strength of character was a role model to his children an extended family. He was a devout Christian, resolute in his faith. Both he and Neena looked forward to and never missed worship services. They willingly lent their time and energy to St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church. Their support and participation in various church committees and activities was always evident. Both relished their volunteer efforts as a way to serve the Church they dearly loved. One example was the annual St. Elijah Bake Sale where they did everything from cooking, seating and serving guests, clearing tables, etc. Their bright and cheerful faces were always a welcoming sight.The world became a better place when the Lord graced us with his presence. He sat a high bar of excellence and our memories will help us all be better individuals. Phillip's life on earth was all too brief but we take comfort in knowing that in heaven, he is eternal.Phillip is survived by wife, Neena; son, Dr. Tony and wife Heather Haddad; son, Jeff; four grandchildren; six great-children; and a host of nephews and nieces.Trisagion Service for Phillip will be Friday, April 1st at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. at St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Flowers That Do Not Wither Fund at St. Elijah.