Phillip Arkeketa

Phillip Michael Arkeketa, born on June 24th, 1948, peacefully passed away on December 27th, 2024, surrounded by his family. Mike is now reunited with his mother, Eva Mae Wahekits (1989), his father, Woodrow Wyatt Arkeketa, Sr. (1976), his sisters, Wakeah Arkeketa (1990) and E. Ann (Arkeketa) Smith (2014), his grandmother, Emma Belle Wyatt and her husband Allen Moses, and his grandfather, Peter Vest Arkeketa.

Mike's journey began in Anadarko, Oklahoma, before moving to Oklahoma City when he was young. After graduating from Western Heights High School in 1966, he joined the U.S. Navy. Upon returning home in 1971, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Central State College in 1974. Mike worked for NASA before embarking on a career in the oil industry. Mike then married the love of his life, Elizabeth, in 1975. He later returned to school, earning a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1978, and then returned to the oil industry in the late 1970s, retiring in 2016.

Mike dedicated his life to his family, living with a fierce focus on doing what is right, even when nobody was looking. He was very proud of his Native American heritage. Mike was a member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and a descendant of the Kiowa and Otoe tribes. He truly cherished his family, offering love and encouragement that was gentle yet firm, consistent, and unwavering. Mike enjoyed researching his Native American history and heritage. His passion for learning and knowledge continues through his children and grandchildren. Mike also found joy in cheering for his Oklahoma Sooners.

Mike's legacy lives on through his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth Arkeketa, his brother Woodrow Arkeketa and his wife Bonnie, his cousin Susan Williams Stinson and her husband Ron Stinson, his son Asa Arkeketa and his wife Pennie, his daughters Emma Fust and her husband Kevin, Jessica Hall and her husband Chris, and Sarah Cox and her husband Dakota; his grandchildren Alaina Fust, Jasan Arkeketa, Blaine Fust, Abram Arkeketa, Samuel Hall, Annessa Warlick-Short, Kameren Nelson, and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes Community Building in Anadarko, Oklahoma (1.25 miles north on Hwy 281) on January 11th, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Donations can be sent to the Wichita Service Club (P.O. Box 962, Anadarko, OK 73005) or plants/flowers can be sent to 2111 Four Lakes Drive, Blanchard, OK 73010.