Phillip M. Clikas

Family First Funeral & Cremation Care

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Posted by: Family First
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Date: Feb 28 2019 9:15 AM

PHILLIP M. CLIKAS

Phillip Mark Clikas, 81, passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019, surrounded by his wife and family. He was known best as “Coach Clikas” and had a sense of humor that was contagious. His company will be missed by so many. 

Phillip was born alongside his twin sister, in Mobile, Alabama, to Carrie (Mathews) and Mark Manuel Clikas, on August 3, 1937. He graduated from McGill Institute in Mobile in 1955.  He then attended Tulane University where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He also attended The University of Alabama and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Livingston University. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, for six years as a Medical Specialist.  It was there he met his beloved bride Carmen, was married in 1964, and enjoyed 54 years of marriage. In 1966 he began his teaching/coaching career at Ysleta School District.

In 1970 he moved his young family to what became their home in Marianna, Florida. They lived in the same home he spent his summers at with his grandparents. He was employed with Jackson County School Board where he taught at Marianna Middle School as a P.E. teacher and coached various sports. He earned his Master’s and Specialist degrees in Education from Florida State University. He eventually became an Administrator. He then transitioned to Sunland and Adult Education as a Principal. Overall, he dedicated 38 years of his life to serving students.

For 25 years Phillip and Carmen formed many lasting friendships during the wonderful times they managed Blue Springs Recreational Area. He also served his community as a Marianna City Commissioner, a member of the Optimist Club, the American Legion Post 100, the Chipola Area Gator Club, and a Mason. He was also a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Coach Clikas always felt that the Lord had given him leadership abilities and he was passionate in serving his community with his blessings. He was most happy when he was surrounded by his family, his love for them was immeasurable. Coaching or watching sporting events was a favorite pastime. He was a dedicated Florida Gator fan and also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing with family and friends.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Carrie (Mathews) and Mark Manuel Clikas. He is survived by his faithful wife, Carmen (Contreras). Their children are Phillip Demetri Clikas (Laura) of Marianna, Florida, Carrie Clikas Clark (John) of Rehobeth, Alabama, Marietta Clikas Peterson (Greg) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Mark Phillip Clikas (Bridget) of Marianna, Florida; grandchildren Caroline Elizabeth Clark (Nick Ledford), Catherine Clark Cureton (Colton), Alden Gregory Peterson, Davis Mathews Peterson, Phillip Manuel Peterson, James Andrew Clikas, Mark Justin Clikas, Matthew William Clikas, Zoe Christina Clikas; stepchildren Mary Ann Villalobas and John David Provencio; step-grandson Jamie Villalobas.  He is also survived by his twin sister Argie Clikas O’Shea of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers who showed patience, compassion, and love as they cared for Phillip.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Marianna Middle School in Marianna, Florida. Family will receive friends at 12:00 pm at the school gym.  Please feel free to wear your orange and blue to show your Gator spirit, or your favorite team.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Marianna Optimist Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 943, Marianna, Florida 32447.

 

 

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