Thomas J. King's Obituary
Lt. Col. (Ret) Thomas John King passed away unexpectedly on June 14 (ironically Flag Day), at the Claremore Veteran’s Center, Claremore, Oklahoma, where he had been a resident for 8 1/2 years, following a brain aneurysm. Tom was born September 17, 1942 in Butte Montana. His father, Jay. T King was a mining engineer, and his mother, Helen Jean King, was a nurse. However, he found his real home when in 1950 his family moved to Tulsa Oklahoma. He attended Oliver Wendell Holmes grade school and Thomas Edison Junior and Senior High Schools graduating in 1960. During those years, he was active in Boy Scouts, DeMolay and Church related activities. He also worked part-time during his high school and college years at Fikes IGA. Following high school graduation, he attended the University of Tulsa where he graduated with a BS in Math Engineering in 1965. During his college years, he was active with the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and was part of the University’s Air Force ROTC program. Upon graduation, he received his commission in the Air Force and began what would be his ultimate career. During his time in the Air Force he served in California, Vietnam where he was awarded a Bronze Star, England, Tennessee, Michigan and at the Pentagon. Following his retirement from the Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel he moved back to Tulsa and Married his college sweetheart, Claudia Matney. He was active in Westminster Class activities with Claudia at First Presbyterian Church, and was active in the Edison Class of ’60 reunion committee. He worked at several Walgreens’ stores in the Tulsa area as an assistant manager. He is survived by his wife Claudia Brown King, two stepsons, Randy Brown of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Kyle Brown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and their families, two brothers, Edward King and wife Jo Ellen Thomson of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Jay King and spouse Larry Ward of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2 nephews Aidan King, and Ryland King both of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and a niece Ming Claire King also of Ft. Collins, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warriors Foundation. Memorial Service will be Friday, June 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 709 S. Boston, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Military Graveside service 12:00 noon Friday at Memorial Park Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?