Bishop Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

Bruce DeWayne Thomas, a loving, handy, and funny man, passed away on July 14, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Bishop Chapel of Memories, officiated by Rev. Jim Harris and eulogy by Mrs. Bonnie Lebak. Burial will follow at North Town Cemetery, McAlester. Pallbearers will be Kevin Lankford, Chris Harris, Bubba Harris, Julius Plummer, Randy Harmon, Hunter Harmon, and Dakota Harmon. Honorary pallbearers will be his Commodity Warehouse friends and co-workers. Born on April 1, 1964, in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, Bruce was a beacon of joy and laughter to all who knew him. His life was marked by a deep love for his family, a strong work ethic, and a knack for fixing things. Bruce graduated from McAlester High School in 1982. He married the love of his life, Tamara "Tammy" Harmon, on June 22, 1985, in McAlester. Bruce was a dedicated worker, serving for over 30 years as a warehouseman for the State of Oklahoma Commodity Warehouse in McAlester. For the past seven months, he had been working on the weekends as a shift supervisor for Securitas Security in Tulsa. Bruce was always working, often tinkering with and fixing things around the house. His favorite pastime was mowing the yard, a task he performed with joy and precision. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Jimie Gene Thomas; mother, Shirley Cope; brother, William "Billy" Thomas; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Johnny and Linda Kay (Sharp) Harmon; and sister-in-law, Jennifer Harmon. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Tamara; daughter, Shayla Thomas of McAlester; granddaughter, Lexi Thomas of McAlester; sisters, Allison Griffis and husband, Carlton of Royce City, Texas, Shelley Wagner and husband, Michael of Rowlett, Texas; sister-in-law, Robin Brewer and wife, Tina of Wagoner; brother-in-law, Randy Harmon; great niece, Gentry Rose Harmon; step-mother, Shirley Thomas of McAlester; special friends: Kevin Lankford and Robert Dewey; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends. Bruce was a man of many interests. He was a devoted family man, a reliable friend, and a valued co-worker. His sense of humor and his ability to find joy in the simplest things made him a joy to be around. As Mark Twain once said, "The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation." Bruce embodied this sentiment, finding joy and fulfillment in his work and hobbies. Bruce's life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and a good sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and in the many lives he touched throughout his life.