Tom passed away Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at Sulphur Veteran's home. He was born December 20th, 1941 in Frisco, OK to Preston Lester Cooper and Ruby Juanita Milligan Cooper.
Tom graduated from Chilocco Indian School in Newkirk, OK in 1962.
On May 28th, 1966, he married the love of his life, Linda Sue Gardner. They have 2 daughters, Marcia Lynn and Melody Shanae.
He entered the U.S Army in 1962. He served state side during the Vietnam War as a Medical Supply Clerk supplying medical supplies to the Vietnam Arena. Upon his return, he continued his service as an Army Reserve. While serving with the 701st, he was deployed in Dec 1990 for Desert Shield/Storm. He was a cook during his deployment and fed 2500 Air Force troops, 3 meals a day in a large Military tent in the desert. Upon his return, he was stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton. He was honorably discharged in 1993.
His almost 45 years with the Chickasaw Nation started in 1978 as Housing Manager at the Chickasaw Housing Authority until 2005. He was volunteering at The Carl Albert Gift Shop where he later became the manager. The gift shop then moved to the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center, where he stayed as manager until his death. Tom was loved by all at the CNMC.
In 2013, he received a 35-year award from the IHS. He was a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation Warrior Society. He was an ordained deacon at New Bethel Baptist Church. In July 2022, he went back to his beloved church, Okchamali "Blue" Baptist Church, where he grew up.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richmond Milligan, Caroline Illetewahke Milligan, Spencer Cooper, Bessie Anderson Cooper; both of his parents and three sisters, Betty Dodd, Bertie Williams, and Martha Jane Hill.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; two daughters, Marcia Bush of Kingston, and husband Daniel and Melody Shaw of Ada, and husband Jamie; his grandchildren, Trevor Bush and wife Kara, Katelyn Bush, Braden Cooper and fiancé Dee, Haley Pearce and husband Dawson; his great grandchildren, Addison McDonald, Aiden Drennon, Allister Drennon, Tesla Joy Bush, Roman Cooper and Marianna Cooper; his siblings, Ginger Paulk, Patsy Perry and husband Jim, Joy Easley and husband Bob, Dale Cooper, Sammy and James McKinney; his brother and sisters in law, Joy Battershell and husband Eddie, Rita Herman and husband Jim and Bill Gardner and wife Suzanne.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. ,br>
Pallbearers: Braden Cooper, Dawson Pearce, Chris Gardner, Eddie Battershell, Nathan Battershell and Trevor Bush.
Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Anoatubby, Chris Anoatubby, Bill Gardner, Jim Herman, David Lee Poe, Donny Smith, Bro Jerry Studebaker, and Eddie Crabtree.
A celebration of life/ homecoming celebration will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on 2023-05-27 at Chickasaw Community Center, 700 N Mississippi Ave Ada, Ok 74820.
A burial will be held from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM on 2023-05-27 at High Hill Cemetery, 16840 CR 3550 Ada, OK 74820. Military Honors will be provided by the Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard.
A viewing (wake) will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on 2023-05 -26 at Criswell Funeral Home, 815 Arlington Street Ada, OK 74820.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
