Thomas M. Utley

Thomas M. Utley passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 20, 2024. Thomas was born on July 11, 1942, in Kinta, Oklahoma to Thomas and Tina Utley.

He graduated from high school in Maysville, Oklahoma in 1960 and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. He served on active duty from May 1960 through May of 1964. Thomas then continued to serve on reserve duty from May of 1964 to May of 1966. He received basic training at Camp Pendleton, California. He was then stationed at the Marine Corps Supply Center in Barstow, California. Thomas was awarded the expert Rifle Badge, Good Conduct Medal and obtained the rank of Corporal. When anyone asked about his military career Tom would always smile and say, “I was just a Hollywood Marine”.

After Thomas received his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he went on to attend college and received a bachelor’s degree in business from Central State College (now University of Central Oklahoma). He worked many years for Haliburton Oil in many different capacities in the oil fields of Oklahoma and Texas until retirement. Upon his retirement he continued to work as an independent contractor for a variety of businesses until 2015.

Thomas qualified and obtained a private pilot’s license and co-purchased a Cessna airplane with a friend, in which he enjoyed taking his family on many trips. He also enjoyed being on the open road on his Harley Davidson.

Thomas was married to his beloved wife Joanne for many years before her passing and referred to her as the love of his life, together they built a wonderful life together. They treasured their time as a family and found great joy in raising their son Bryan. So many memories made, and time spent that Thomas held near to his heart.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Amarillo, Texas; a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Amarillo, Texas; and a member of St. Gabriel’s in Kansas City, Missouri. He has 7 Godchildren, Hila McGuire, Patrick and Tamar Tunnell, Travis Hamilton, Brad Reynolds, Halston and Bryson Hevalow. He lovingly came to be known as Uncle T to his family and friends.

Thomas is preceded in death by his loving wife: Joanne Utley, parents: Thomas and Tina Utley, great- niece: Jenna Lee Tunnell, sister: Phyllis Leerstang, and great- niece Tamar Tunnell.

He is survived by his son: Bryan Utley of Amarillo Texas, and sister Gail McGuire of Pattonsburg, Missouri, as well as many other nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Christian funeral service will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery

October 4, 2024, at 2:00 at the Lakeside Chapel

801 Northeast 108th Street Kansas City Missouri 64155

Christian Graveside Service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden Cemetery

October 5, 2024, at 3:00

8701 NW. Expressway

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73162