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Irvin Thomas 'Tom' Chowning, 88, of Midwest City, Oklahoma passed away September 1, 2009 in Midwest City. He was born July 12, 1921 in Davenport, Oklahoma to Ernest Thomas and Lucille (Irvin) Chowning.
Tom grew up in the Davenport area graduating from Davenport HS in 1938 at the age of 16. He then attended Business College in Oklahoma City before taking a job at the Dept. of Agriculture in late 1940 where he met, Eileen Jackson. She later was assisting in the draft effort and registered Tom for the draft. However, she didn't get rid of him, as he would later joke. They were married January 3, 1942, and celebrated 62 years of marriage before Eileen passed away in January of 2004.
During his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps, the couple moved to California and New Mexico while Tom trained as a pilot and later became instructor for the B-25. He even taught Chinese Cadets to fly. His Air Corps service brought his family to Midwest City where they established their home and Tom began a career at Tinker Air Force Base. Tom was instrumental in the development of advanced bomb and navigation systems for the B-52 Bomber.
His interest in education led him to serve for 21 years on the Midwest City Board of Education, where he handed out graduation certificates to his children and many of their cousins and friends. He and Eileen saw to it that all three of their children graduated from college. When he retired from Tinker in Dec. 1972, he began a 2nd career as the maintenance supervisor for MWC school system. After 15 years he finally decided to retire and travel.
Tom and Eileen traveled all over the U.S. wearing out a succession of RVs. They enjoyed many trips together and he is now finally at home with her again.
Tom was preceded in death by: his parents and wife, Eileen.
He is survived by: his sisters, Lorelei Welch, Betty Holder, and Pat Seebeck; his 2 nieces; 6 nephews and their children; his daughter, Judy Kay Kaufman; sons: Jack Thomas and Jon Earnest Chowning; grandchildren: Jeffery, Jennifer, Julie, and Laurie; 9 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren.
Tom and Eileen have been members of Wickline Methodist Church since 1952 and his services are to be held there at 10:00 am, Friday, September 4, 2009.
Funeral
Wickline United Methodist Church
417 Mid America Blvd.
MIDWEST CITY, OK 73110
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