Tom Alexander, Jr.

Memorial Service 10 a.m. Monday, August 10 at the Burbank First Baptist Church.

Tom Moore Alexander, Jr. long-time Burbank, Oklahoma resident was invited home by his Lord and Savior on Monday evening, June 29, 2020 while in Clinton, Okla. He left us peacefully following a brief illness. Born on July 5, 1967 in Ada, Okla. to the late Tom Moore Alexander, Sr. (12/30/12) and late Joyce Elaine (Crane) Martin (12/16/16) he passed 6 days before his 53rd birthday.

Affectionately known as TJ by his family and friends, he received his education in both the Ada and Shidler Public Schools.  One of his teachers at Shidler had a saying, “stick go to the Principal” in TJ’s case it happened so often he soon earned the nickname “stick”.  Shortly after graduating with the Shidler Tiger Class of 1985, he entered the US Army in Oklahoma City and was later stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

CPL Alexander served his country as an artillery mechanic for over 6 years, performing maintenance and troubleshooting daily of all self-propelled field artillery weapons. He also took pride in serving during the Desert Storm conflict. His time in the army allowed him to live in Germany for a brief period. He was awarded a Southwest Asia Service Medal, 3 Bronze Service Stars and Kuwait Liberation Medal. Following his honorable discharge in 1992, he went on to attend Murray State College in Tishomingo, Okla. studying in the nursing field.

One of his first jobs in civilian life was working as an EMT and nurse aide, followed by a time at Conoco in construction.  Later, he joined Pipeline Union #798 and worked on the road. At the time of his passing, he had been employed at the Town of Burbank as the Utility Superintendent for the last three years.

His favorite pastime was reading his Bible and studying God’s word. As a member of the Burbank First Baptist Church, he had hoped to someday become an ordained pastor. TJ was more spiritual than religious and enjoyed reading the Bible before bed each night and watching “church on TV” each Sunday morning.

He enjoyed listening to country music; watching TV, especially westerns with John Wayne or Clint Eastwood; fishing and hunting; horseback riding and working crossword puzzles; but his greatest enjoyment was spending time with Ruby.

Tom had a long love and friendship with his inseparable and cherished companion Ruby. They were married Saturday, July 24, 1999. They were planning to make their union “official” once again by tying the knot when Tom’s health improved, and he was back on his feet. Every moment of the past 22 years they shared together has been time spent wisely.

Along with his companion Ruby Nickles of the home, TJ is survived by an uncle, Clyde Crane of Georgia; his step father, Bob Martin of Burbank; three step-brothers, Curtis Martin and Charlie Martin of Burbank and Scott Collins of Ponca City; Ruby’s siblings, Gary (Debra Ann) Nickles of Mannford, Clara Sue (Paul) Larson of Sapulpa, Glenn (Barbara) Nickles and Sharon (Richard) Patrick all of Ponca City; also nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten. He was preceded in death by his parents; his only child, Danny Ray Alexander; and two uncles, Don Alexander and James Martin.

As per TJ’s wishes, a Memorial Service with military honors will be held 10 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2020 at the First Baptist Church in Burbank with Pastor Dennis Wildman officiating. To comply with social distancing and safety standards, masks are recommended for those attending. Urn bearers will be Jamie Lessert, David Wilkins, Chris Sherrill, Mike Teachout, Damon Scroggins and Tommy Story.  Honorary bearers are Bob Martin, Curtis Martin, Charlie Martin and Scott Collins.  Cremation has been entrusted to Hunsaker Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax. A private family inurnment will be held later.

The family would like to thank the staff at River Valley Rehab in Clinton who took great care of him these past few months.

Memorial donations in TJ’s honor may be made to Oklahoma Heart Institute at:  https://www.okheart.com/research/make-a-donation  or to make a donation by phone (405) 608-1558 or by mail: Oklahoma Heart Hospital Research Foundation, 4200 W. Memorial Road, Ste 510, Oklahoma City, OK 73120

For those who would like to express condolences or sign TJ’s guestbook please use our online website at: www.hunsakerwootenfuneralhome.com