Rene Philippart of Poteau, Oklahoma was born November 28, 1937 in Leige, Belgium to Angelo and Blanche Philippart and passed away November 2, 2016 in Poteau, Oklahoma at the age of 78.

He is survived by:

His wife:
Phyllis Philippart of the home

Three sons:
Clayton Philippart of Gold Beach, Oregon
Charles Philippart and wife Sara of Monroe, Washington
Michael Philippart and wife Andrea of Olympia, Washington

One step-son:
Rob Babcock and wife Amy of Talmage, Utah

One step-daughter:
Krissie Babcock of Lander Wyoming

Seven grandchildren:
Ryan and Danielle Philippart
Ava and Addison Philippart
Annabeth Babcock
Meghan and Sullivan Hughes

Rene was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Claude, Thierry, Paul, and Andre Philippart. He first visited the United States of America in 1953 when he was sixteen as the guest of the U.S. Colonel who was instrumental in liberating Belgium from Germany. He attended and graduated from Bellingham High School in Washington two years later. Returning to Belgium immediately to fulfill his eighteen month military duty, he held onto his love of America and dream of naturalization. On April 27, 1964, he became an American citizen. He attended college and graduated with a BS in Education from Western Washington State University, where he started the first conversational French classes for elementary students. After a few years in the teaching profession, an opportunity arose for Rene' to join a brokerage firm in Washington. He excelled in trading, and eventually he opened his own firm, Marshall Davis, Inc. After retirement, he began teaching business courses at Carl Albert State College.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Carl Albert State College for business student scholarships. CASC, Attention Mandy Roberts, 1507 South McKenna, Poteau, OK 74953. HodggfgdddHsdklfnasd