Our beloved Tommy Thurman Walker, known as Tom, passed away at the age of 88 years on May 24, 2024 in Oklahoma City, OK. Tom was born on June 10, 1935, in Talihina, OK, to Mignon and Viola Walker, the second of four sons. Tom and his brothers Blake, John, and Jim spent their childhood years in Talihina, Detroit, MI, and Nicoma Park, OK. Tom graduated from Choctaw High School where he made life-long friends and excelled at sports. His letter jacket was adorned with "Fighting Tom Walker" stitched on the back. Hitchhiking across the country during high school and early college, Tom spent summers working for the U.S. Forest Service in Lakeview, OR, fighting and preventing forest fires. He counted those days as the great adventures in his life. After earning a college football scholarship, he competed in sports at the collegiate level and graduated from Central State College in Edmond, OK, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Upon graduating college, Tom met the love of his life, Louella Rickner (Lou), and they married in El Reno, Oklahoma on September 30, 1961. Tom honorably served in the Army Reserves and moved to Silver City, NM, where he taught high school chemistry, physics, and general science. He worked as a metallurgist for Kennecott Copper Mine producing materials for the U.S. Space Program. As a metallurgist, he moved the family to Wagoner, OK, and Texas City, TX. He then moved to Nevada where he managed two gold mines in Elko and Tonopah. In 1985, Tom, Lou and their three children moved home to Oklahoma City to be near family, where Tom began his successful 20+ year career at Tinker Air Logistics Center, serving as the Chief of Nuclear Hardening and rewriting as the Chief of Corrosion for the United States Air Force. Tom loved his work, rarely missed a day, and received many awards and accolades before retiring at the age of 74. A lifelong learner, after retiring Tom earned his Master Gardener Certification and volunteered at the Cleveland County Fair Garden for several seasons. He maintained a stunning home garden and he took up yoga for a time. Tom adored his family and lived his life with Lou, centered on loving and raising Jeff, Rilla and Tommy (wife Debbie) Walker. He was a wonderful role model for his children serving as a Cub Master and baseball coach. He was honored to be named among the Outstanding Young Men of America. He enjoyed three grandchildren, Blake, Katie, and Jeffrey, and two great grandchildren, Abbi and Phoenix, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Tom was a gentle person and a great source of strength to his family. He leaves a treasured wife and beloved family and friends. His memory will be forever cherished. We express our endless gratitude to the Legacy Family Hospice (hSps://www.legacyfamilyhospice.com) organization for all the love and help they gave Tom and his family. While no funeral service is planned, the family requests that donations be made in Tom's name to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (hSps://www.regionalfoodbank.org/ ).