Gerald “Pistol” Phillips age 90 passed away Jan 14, 2015 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus Mt.
Gerald was born August 31, 1924 north of Ashland to James C. and Lillian (Goodale) Phillips. He was raised on Home Creek went to grade school at the Home Creek School and graduated from Power River High School in 1942. He worked for various ranches (Cooks on the Powder River, Gentry’s on Otter Creek, Trusler’s, Hunts 71) and helped build the first Transmission line between Ashland and Broadus. He married Lee Tarter in 1954 and they lived at the McChristian place on the Tongue River. There they raised two sons Lou & Quirt. He lived there over 20 yrs ranching and tending livestock. He later married Jane Martens and they moved to the 71 Ranch until his retirement on Moon Creek. He was able to enjoy many years on his ranch before moving to Broadus. He had several favorite horses (Traveler, Red and Easy), he was never without a dog or good horse in his lifetime. He loved to read and watch westerns and baseball. One of his hobbies was woodworking and made stick horses, doll houses and step stools for his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His grandchildren were very special to him and he was always up for saddling a horse or pulling them on a sled. He had a bit of a mischievous sense of humor, which many of his family and friends will remember. His family include his two sons, Lou Phillips, Quirt (Jaci) Phillips, and his Step Children, Linda Pepperell, Karen (Mel) Wisdom, Dale (deceased) (Rosaura) Martens, Bob (Deb) Martens, Jayne Martens and Joe (Loy) Martens. Grandchildren: Rory Phillips, Talon Phillips, Kaycee (Lonnie) Hagemeister, Cedar Phillips, Krista (Christopher) Gnerer, Katie (John) Bayo, Step Grandchildren: Shannon (Tom) Buckner, Joanna (Kelly) May, Tammy Mlburn, Daniel (Kay) Milburn, Josh Martens, Donna (Felipe) Perez, James Martens, Eric Martens, Tara (Mike) Benner, Michelle (Arron) Combs, Chelsea (Douglas) Drake, Lindsy Martens, Misty Fahrnow, Shawn Makor, Bryan Makor, Casey Makor, Great Grandchildren: Grady, Kyler and Jordan Hagemeister, Quincy Bayo, Senra Gnerer, as well as 11 Step Great Grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews that have great stories about their Uncle Pistol. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his seven siblings. At Gerald’s request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Kelly Dodge Tarr says
What fond memories we have of Pistol. What a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Sincerely the Dodge family.
Lori & Alan says
Quirt & Lou, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Take Care!
Diana Potts Robinette says
Quirt and Lou, so sorry for the loss of your dad, I enjoyed him, he was a real down to earth person, may the Lord Bless you both and be with you and your family at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Diana
Fred and DeeDee Isaacs says
Sympathy and prayers to all. Take solice in your memories of Pistol.
Karen Gunther says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Quirt and family. I never know your Dad except at the nursing home. Since I just went through the loss of a parent I know how you are feeling.
Dennis White says
Quirt and Lou,
sorry to hear about Pistol. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Dennis and Sandy
Carri Lancaster says
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Gerald’s passing. He was one hell of a guy and he and I had lots of fun when I worked at the manor. He will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb Bartholomew says
Quirt, Lou and Families,
Sorry to hear the loss of Pistol. He and his great stories will be truly missed! Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Pistol will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure the memories.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb Bartholomew
Pat and Bob Corbin says
Pistol’s family, So sorry to hear of your loss.
Bert & Helen WoodsQ says
Quirt and Lou,
So sorry for your loss. Pistol had a good life and will be missed. You and your families are in our prayers. He and Lee are talking over old times I bet.
Mike and Linda Wyse says
Lou, Quirt, Joe and families; So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time remember the good times.
Cynda Douglas (Dodge) says
Dear Quirt and Lou,
Gosh, I have so many memories of your folks, and you both as pups. So many good times, pranks played on each other, and often riding up to your place from the Briscoe. Pistol was a good man, who didn’t have a mean hair on him. He’ll be missed.
Beverly Nile says
Lou and Quirt
So sad to hear this news. Pistol holds a special place in my heart. I used to love going to Pistol’s, many, many first experiences happened at Pistol’s on the McChristian place; like the outhouse, bathtub in the kitchen, Pistol putting me on a tractor (pre driver’s lic) he showed me how to rake up the hay, drive the tractor but didn’t tell me how to stop it. Needless to say after motioning me in for lunch a few times he finally wandered out to see why I kept going around in circles. I learned what the current was like walking across the river, feeding cows off the back of a hay wagon, hunting in the Jeep, riding the Shetland that liked to get rid of you in the trees. So many experiences I wouldn’t trade for the world.
I new how to get to Pistol’s by heart going down from Rosebud, but this one time, as a new driver, I wanted to go via Ashland. Well, needless to say I got lost for hours. I had a car load full of relatives, my elderly Grandma, and the Fried Chicken mom had sent out for lunch. I was greeted by many hungry, worried people when I arrived. To top that off a flat tire on the way home on the gravel and many worried people again waiting for me.
40 years later I wanted to see if I could find my way there from Birney and it was a successful journey.
Come to think about it, I think I have gotten lost visiting Pistol on all the places he lived.
All my love and prayers to you both and your families.
Justin & Charlee Kuhbacher says
I always enjoyed my time with Pistol at the manor when it was haircut day…Hold the memories close to your hearts and never let them fade away…Thinking of you all…
Hayden P says
I am sorry to learn of the loss of Gerald. Although I didn’t know him personally, it is always sad to learn a family has lost a loved one. I found some encouraging articles on jw.org and maybe this website can help your family too. I hope God will help your family during this sad time.
Wanda Bixby says
my deepest sympathy on the passing of you Dad it is hard to lose a parent may God guide you thru this difficult time
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Pistol’s Family, I sure enjoyed working around him. Made a hard day a bit easier just being around him, some good memories. Karson and Marie