|  |  |
|
| | |
© Davis Funeral Home Cushing, Oklahoma November 2008 Thomas Edward Maloney March 21, 1923 ~ November 16, 2008 Thomas E. Maloney, lifelong Cushing resident, businessman and civic leader, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2008, at his residence at the age of 85. The son of the late John Leo Maloney and Marie Elizabeth Naumann Maloney, Tom was born on March 23, 1923, on the family farm east of Cushing and was a graduate of the 1940 Cushing High School, where he excelled in academics, tennis and basketball. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and became known as "Mahogany" because of his smoothness in giving orders and directions. Tom was also recognized for his superior vision and the ability to quickly spot enemy aircraft. He became the first fighter groups leading ace, serving in the European Theater of operations. In 1944, his plane went down in enemy territory and in the process of hiding and taking care of himself, stepped on a mine, severely injuring his legs. In 1945, he exited the hospital on crutches and walked his childhood sweetheart, Patricia Jean Driggs down the aisle. Back home, he completed his education and in 1951, earned a bachelors degree in accounting from Oklahoma State University. Tom was successful in the drilling business, having been a co-founder of Sabre Drilling Company, and later full owner of the company. He was a major patron of Cushing Public Schools. He reveled in tiger sports and alumni hall, and is a member of the CHS Hall of Fame. He had served as secretary of the Cushing Public Schools Board of Education, treasurer of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church; a member of the board of directors of Cushing Regional Airport and a member of the Cushing Planning Commission. Tom was an avid fan of Oklahoma State University athletics, holding season tickets in football, basketball, baseball and wrestling. On December 5, 1992, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Air and Space Museum and in February of 2008, received the community achievement award presented by the Cushing Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include two children, Rick Maloney and his wife Kathy of Cushing and Barbara Maloney Kierl and her husband Dr. Peter Kierl of Edmond, OK; one sister, Margaret Anne Ditmore of Plano, TX; grandchildren include Patrick Maloney and his wife Lesley, Ryan Maloney and his wife Jessica, Kevin Kierl, Brian Kierl and Jessie Kierl. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Pat; two brothers, Robert and John Maloney and one sister Betty Parks. A Rosary service will be held on Wednesday evening, November 19, 2008 at 7 p.m. and the Funeral Mass on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 10 A.M. Both services will be held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Matt LaChance, officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at the St. Leo Cemetery. |