Thomas Taylor

Thomas D. Taylor, former Fairfax resident, quietly departed this life on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at his home in the VA Center Nursing Home, Claremore, Oklahoma having reached the age of 72. Staff and residents gave tribute to Tom, a veteran of the Vietnam Era, by escorting him from the nursing home with the "honor walk."

On Sunday, the 26th of January, 1947, Thomas Darrell Taylor was born to Theodore Aaron Taylor and Marie Lee Dooling Taylor-Carter in Fairfax, Okla. at the Hamil Hospital. He grew up and attended the Fairfax Public Schools System with his siblings soon becoming known as "Tommy." He enjoyed playing football in high school and in his school years attended the First Osage Baptist Church.

At the age of 17, Tommy entered the US Navy proudly serving his country for four years before being honorably discharged the day before his 21st birthday (January 25, 1968). During this time he earned the Vietnam service medal with Bronze Stars, National defense service medal and the Vietnam campaign medal.

Following his time in the Navy, he returned to his hometown of Fairfax where he worked different jobs but mainly in construction as a roofer. In his spare time, he loved the outdoors and could be found boating, camping and fishing at local creeks, rivers and lakes. Sometimes family or friends joined in where a good time was always had by all.

Rick Mathis remembers Tommy being his neighbor and babysitter when he was growing up. Also, fishing and running trout lines with his dad, Richard Mathis and Tommy. The trio spent many days chopping wood and when finished would split it three ways. The Mathis family referred to Tom as "Ace," bet there's a story behind that as well!

In 2006, Tommy moved to Claremore where he lived in the VA Center Nursing Home until his passing. He enjoyed his time there visiting with other veterans, as well as family and friends like Rick who came to see him. Activities were a big part of living at the center, not only were holidays celebrated but yearly events included BBQ's, fishing tournaments, and school kids dropping by with their homemade cards for the vets. Bingo and bunco were part of the action often times too.

Tommy's wishes were to be buried in the Fairfax City Cemetery, without any formal services, the family is honoring his request.

Those left to cherish his memory include brothers: Charlie (Gwen) Taylor of Sand Springs, Danny (Roberta) Hazen of Cleveland; sisters, Loretta (Benny) Baird of Sand Springs and Phyllis (Ken) Roberts of Burbank; many nieces, nephews, and life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Anyone that knew him, knew he was an avid OU fan. Go Sooners!

Friends are invited to share their memories of Tommy with his family at www.hunsakerwootenfuneralhome.com

Cemetery

Fairfax Cemetery
600 S. 8th Street
Fairfax, OK  74637