Highland Cemetery

Durant, Bryan County, Oklahoma

© Brown's Funeral Service
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Thomas (Tommy) Bennett Story

January 12, 1965 - September 23, 2024

homas (Tommy) Bennett Story passed from this life to his heavenly home on Monday, September 23, 2024. He was born on January 12, 1965, to Mr. Bob C. Story of Durant, OK, and Mrs. Frankie Story (Ham) of Atoka, OK.

Tommy was born and raised in Durant, OK. He graduated from Durant High School in 1985, which he always considered one of his greatest achievements. He was so proud to call himself a Durant Lion. Over the years, he remained close to many of his classmates. This past year, they brought a class reunion to him since he could no longer attend. Their kindness throughout his journey will never be forgotten.

While in high school, Tommy was a member of the Glee Club and the Mixed Men/Women Choir. He was also a longtime member of the Cannonball Cloggers, performing at fall festivals and community events across Texoma. Performing and dancing were Tommy's greatest joys in life. Tommy studied Karate, played the piano, and participated in Special Olympics. He was also an Eagle Scout from Troop 618, First Baptist Church of Durant, OK. Additionally, he served as an honorary Lions Club member, where his father, Bob C. Story, has been actively involved for over 50 years.

Tommy was employed for many years at The Branding Iron restaurant in Durant, OK. Later, he was employed at People First Industries of Bryan County. The First Baptist Church of Durant, OK, and his Sunday school class, the Singles Life Group, where Tommy was a member, always welcomed him with open arms. They supported him through many of his most difficult days, and our family will always be eternally grateful.

Tommy is preceded in death by his mother, Frankie Story Cornelison, and his stepfather, Ken Cornelison, with whom Tommy had a very special bond. He is also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Robert Bennett and Rebekah Story, maternal grandparents Raymond and Alma (Susie) Miller, and two special uncles: Freddie Ham of Seabrook, TX, and Reverend Grady Eugene Lee of Denver, CO.

Tommy is survived by his father, Bob C. Story, with whom he resided at Featherstone Assisted Living in Durant. Bob was able to be with Tommy in his latter days, helping tremendously with his care and bringing comfort and love to his son and family.

Tommy is also survived by his brother Bobby Story and wife, Melissa; his brother Keith Story and wife, Stacey; his sister Lisa Story-Thomas, all of Durant; and his stepbrother John Cornelison and wife, Cindy, of North Carolina. He is survived by several nephews and nieces: Bradley Story and wife, Kayla, of Durant; Robert Story and wife, Kamwin, of Durant; Eric Story and wife, Avi, of Sherman, TX; Lhauren Story-Spann and husband, Matt, of Melissa, TX; Jake Cobb of Durant; Julie Story-Lillibridge and husband, Dillon, of Sherman, TX; Jackson Stuteville and wife, Audra Edwards, of Washington, DC; Zachary Thomas of Anna, TX; Courtney Reirdon of Durant; and Tyler Reirdon of Durant. He was blessed with a multitude of great-nephews and great-nieces, with whom he shared many joyful moments over the years. Tommy is also survived by a very special aunt and cousins: Aunt Royce Lee; Sheila and husband, Kip Thornton; and Janet Lee, all of Englewood, CO; Jeff and wife, Deidra, of Larkspur, CO, and Greg Lee and wife, Tonya, of Grand Junction, CO.

The loss of Tommy leaves a huge void and an absence we will feel for a lifetime. The joy and laughter he brought to all of us will be missed immeasurably. His constant smile and caring nature are gone in an instant. Tommy was the personification of pure joy, with a heart of gold and a childlike demeanor we all adored. We know his Heavenly Father, his adoring mother, and many loved ones were waiting for his arrival, which brings us peace. Tommy has performed his final earthly dance!

A special thank you to the staff and caregivers at Featherstone Assisted Living in Durant. Without their care and compassion, this process would have been much more difficult.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 2:00 PM, officiated by our pastor and loving friend, Garry McNeill. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery, Durant, Oklahoma. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brown's Funeral Home. We extend heartfelt appreciation to their staff for their guidance during these difficult days.

Flowers are welcome and appreciated for the funeral or the family has requested donations in memory of Tommy Story be made to Southeastern Baptist Student Ministries and Building Fund, 124 W. Evergreen Street, Durant, OK 74701.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com.