Thomas Merriel

Welchel

Thomas M. Welchel, 89, of Oklahoma City, passed peacefully from this life into the presence of his Savior on September 29, 2026. He leaves behind a family who loves him dearly, countless friends, and probably more than a few people who received advice from him that began with, “I’ll tell ya what you need to do…”

He was born and raised in Bridge Creek, Oklahoma, to T.J. and Gertrude (Kelley) Welchel. He graduated from Bridge Creek Schools and loved to share how he finished in the top 10 of his class. That was an impressive accomplishment until he finished the story… there were only 13 graduates in total.

In his early years, Tom worked as a milkman, restaurant manager, and District Manager of Apco gas stations for the western United States. Tom’s hard working and determined nature served him well in business. In 1972, together with his cousin and best friend, he purchased an Apco gas station in Moore with a plan to develop a wholesale tire dealership, and in 1976 they made that happen. Sooner State Tire eventually grew to be the third largest independent Goodyear wholesale dealership in the United States. In later years he and his wife Wanda “unretired” and started Cherokee Trailers, manufacturing primarily horse trailers. That business turned out to be his most successful venture and the work he loved the most. Cherokee Trailers received many accolades, including being named the most structurally sound horse trailer by the Quarter Horse Congress for consecutive years. Through this business, Tom and Wanda were able to build and donate trailers to church groups and missionaries, sending several stocked medical trailers to third world countries.

Tom was kind and funny, he loved good food, he was always ready with a joke or a story, and he never missed a chance to make a friend. He loved breakfast at Cattlemen’s on Saturday mornings with his sons and grandsons, and he loved to travel with his sweetheart; if his television was on, you were watching Gunsmoke or Southern Gospel Singing. When his time got small, he had no regrets, no need to make amends with others or call a pastor to make things right. For you see, of all the things that meant so much to him in this life, nothing meant more to him than his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was a devoted Christian whose faith was not simply a part of his life — it was the foundation of his life. If you knew Tom, you knew he was a Christian. His love for Christ guided his decisions, his work, the way he spent his time, the way he spent his money, and the way he treated others. He lived his life in a way that honored the Lord, and on Tuesday, he finished his race and is now enjoying his eternal reward.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, T.J. and Gertrude Welchel.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Wanda Welchel; his sister, Margaret Martz; and his children, Tommy Welchel and wife Jottie; Kimberli Cissell and husband David; Greg Welchel and wife Misha; Marvin Beam and wife Regina; and Andy Beam and wife Beth.

He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, Maclain Cosby; Micheal Cosby and wife Jennifer; Zachary Cissell and wife Haley; Jacob Cissell and wife Kaila; Olivia Welchel; Graham Welchel; Ryan Howard and wife Christine; Michael Beam; Ryan Beam; and Dr. Colbi Beam and husband Dr. Ryan Kasak, along with many beloved great-grandchildren.

Visitation to be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm on October 4, 2026 at Vondel L Smith & Son Mortuary South Lakes, 4000 SW 119th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73173

Service to be held at 10:00 am Monday, October 5, 2026 at Vondel L Smith & Son Mortuary South Lakes Chapel, 4000 SW 119th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73173 with interment to follow at Resthaven Cemetery, 500 SW 104th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73139.