Phillip E. Thiel, Sr.

Phillip E. Thiel Sr., 86, a native of Bradford, PA, and a resident of Raceland, LA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Phil graduated from Cascia Hall Preparatory School in 1957. He attended Oklahoma State University for a year before choosing to join the family business at Sheenan Pipeline in Tulsa, OK, an opportunity that eventually led him to Louisiana. A hardworking husband and devoted father, Phil always ensured his family was cared for. He instilled in his children the values of self-sufficiency, a strong work ethic, and above all a deep commitment to helping others. He never wanted to see anyone go without.

Phil spent over 30 years in the oilfield, working for Booker Drilling Company, where he worked his way up from Roustabout to Tool pusher. He led by example, never afraid to get his hands dirty, always the first to arrive and the last to leave. He was deeply committed to the safety and well-being of his crew, many of whom he considered family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 8, at St. Hilary of Poitiers Catholic Church, from 9:00 a.m. until service time. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in his honor at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery.

Phil is survived by his children: Diana Chappetta (A.J.), Phil E. Thiel Jr. (Pauline), Scott Thiel (Tonya), and Patty Verret (Bert); grandchildren: Brandon Thiel (Deval Shukla), Kelly Rae Capello, Annie Tabor (Brock), Heath Thiel (Jacey), and Victoria Kehn (Steven); great-grandchildren: Shawn Guidry, Lucille and Lillian Tabor, Vince “Vinny” Thiel, and Isabella “Izzy” Kehn; and his sister, Gertrude Starks.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Mitchell Thiel; his parents, Aloysius P. Thiel and Helena Griffin Thiel; and his siblings: Dolores Riehle, Leo D. Thiel, and Robert G. Thiel.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care and support provided during Phil’s final days. Special thanks to his dedicated sitter, Adrian Kimberly; HOPE Healthcare and Hospice Bayou Country; his compassionate nurse, Patsy Crenshaw; his aide and lunch buddy, Alice Bruce; and Meagan Callais of Samart-Mothe Funeral Home, whose guidance helped ease the burden of funeral planning.

Samart-Mothe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thiel family.