On January 23, 2009, in the quiet peacefulness of his home, Thomas Aaron Roop passed from this life. Affectionately called Aaron by his beloved wife of sixty-two years or referred to as T.A. by most of the 'common folks', he was a man full of life, love, wit, and charm. He was hewn from Oklahoma's red rock, a cleft now most difficult to find. Our tears are followed by a sure smile when we think of the quips which he freely gave, such as "I'm a born again Baptist and a born again Democrat, but not necessarily in that order." Growing up in Southeastern Oklahoma in the earlier part of the previous century he plowed with mules and drove the team to the mill, dined with the brother of Pretty Boy Floyd, met his Savior in a country church at a rural community appropriately named Loving.

After serving six years in the United States Navy during World War II, he worked the rails of the Kansas City Southern Railroad. Hunting and fishing forged his life style, and were not just a hobby. He knew every ridge and valley of his mountains and referred to their various locations by using terms like 'saddle' and 'wash.' He could find the best place to drop a line for a catfish and bass but might not tell anyone else where it was. Yet, with all of his prowess, he was never able to get the infamous "Wampass Kitty" which was ever elusive. One of the last of "The Greatest Generation," he crossed the Panama Canal at least three times, shot a crocodile, swam with sharks, searched for Amelia Earhart, hiked volcanoes in Hawaii before it became a state, harbored in Casa Blanca, swam off the island of Naples and the French Riviera, all while fighting for the freedom of this world and serving our Country.

Our loss is more than that of a person, for with "Papaw" goes the end of a breed. Great big hands and thick fingers would both animate while his warm brown eyes twinkled as he swapped stories with the Sunday School class named the Misfits or with anyone else within ear shot. He was a master storyteller, leaving his listeners with only slight doubt if they were indeed true. He was King of Dominoes and could tell his opponent what to play and which dominoes were still in his hand. He did all this to the delight of his partner and the chagrin of his opponent while he himself chewed on an unlit cigar or gnawed on a chew of tobacco. He could whistle "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" low and slowly, as he washed dishes. He sang bass in the church choir adding the low notes to phrases such as "Now let us have a little talk with Jesus." He cooked tasty stews and delicious salads and preferred eating at home over going out. He was always prepared to share his table with anyone who happened to be in his house at mealtime. He rallied for education. More than simply being concerned for world hunger, he
put action to his words by developing a program of turning aluminum cans into cash and dedicating the money to eradicate hunger of children over the world. He was there to teach each of his grandchildren to swim. He could pick a good stock as easily as he could pick a ripe tomato. He thrilled at the challenge of the stock market, Oklahoma sports, gardening and the rhyming verse of poetry such as, "I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree." His love for family, unwavering. His loyalty to friends, undying. His complete trust and confidence in his Creator, never ending.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, and an unforgettable granddaughter, Sherry Wise. He is survived by people who loved him and were loved by him. These include his loving wife Irene who was his constant companion and understood him most, his son Jerry Fielder whose storytelling is second only to that of his Dad, his dear daughter-in-law Myrna, his daughter Martha James who was one of his biggest cheerleaders and caregivers, his ever supportive son-in-law Jack James, his adoring daughter Gayle Fielder whose compassion for four-footed friends was similar to her Dad's, and his younger sister Willa Jean Westfall who shares his family characteristic of beautiful red hair. In addition to these he is survived by five loving grandchildren, twelve wonderful great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends far and near.

All of us wish we had recorded more of his stories and unique sayings such as, "Dying �" that's simply one of the problems with being born." We each take memories with us to share with others. His passing is for many of us the end of an era, the setting of a sun. Yet we take solace in knowing Eternity is a long time, and when we are reunited with him on that celestial shore, he will be waiting there to share fresh stories with us.

The family requests that if you desire you many send a memorial gift to "World Hunger" in care of Southern Hills Baptist Church, 8601 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73159.