Coach Phill Wake

Coach Phillip Irvin Wake, 79, passed away April 11, 2026, in Plano, Texas. He was born May
24, 1946, to Wilson Wake and Helen (Dyer) Wake.
Phill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Nellie Jo Powell.
He is survived by his daughter, Amye Wake and husband J.R. Larsen; son, Toby Wake;
grandchildren, McCain Wake, Lindee Wake, and Sadie Larsen; nieces, Heather Travis and
husband Jon, Tiffany Scarborough, Paige Bussell and husband Tye; along with a host of other
family, friends, and loved ones who will cherish his memory.
Phill was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
graduating with his Master’s degree in 1975. He spent time teaching on the Navajo reservation at
Chinle High School, an experience that reflected his love for people and his desire to make a
difference wherever he went. He experienced the visceral marginalization of the youth in the
Navajo tribe and applied those experiences to his everyday life.
Proudly serving his country, Phill was a member of the United States Army National Guard. He
was a dedicated teacher and coach who made a lasting impact by supporting countless students
and athletes. His most natural and impactful collaboration was with Coach Skippy Smith and the
goldmine of talent, grit and aptitude of Idabel’s students. The season did not end when they won
state. Coaches Smith and Wake perpetually advocated, innovated, parented and did not ask
permission to advance past their environment. Skippy was his true brother.
Outside of work, Phill enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid golfer, team roper, dancer,
houndsman, and a man who truly did all he wanted to do. He loved adventure, valued good
times, and lived with a spirit of fun and determination that those who knew him will never
forget.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Clardy
Funeral Service Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to MAGIC Foundation for
Children's Growth

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