Tommy Joseph Ryan

Tommy Joseph Ryan, better known as Tom 83, was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on July 25, 1942, to Connie Lee and Bessie (Haken) Ryan. He passed away on April 14, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

His family moved to Mulhall, Oklahoma, when he was young, where he attended Mulhall School from first grade through his junior year. In 1960, his family relocated to Choctaw, Oklahoma, where he attended and graduated from Choctaw High School in May 1961.

Tom joined the United States Army in July 1964. He and his brother Bill completed basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, before continuing to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for artillery training. Upon completion, they were both stationed in Germany for two and a half years, during which time they were able to travel to Spain. They completed their tour of duty in July 1967.

After returning from the Army, Tom worked briefly at Tinker Air Force Base and later spent a short time living in Washington State.

In July 1970, Tom met Janice Brockhaus at the home of friends who would later become his in-laws. Tom and Janice were married on November 20, 1970, and shared 55 years of marriage together.

Tom owned and operated a water well business for approximately 20 years. In 1993, he began working at CMI, where he spent 10 years building conveyor belts for road machinery. In 2003, he returned to Tinker Air Force Base as a mechanic, where he remained until his retirement in February 2008.

Tom is survived by his wife, Janice; and daughter, Connie of the home; daughters Adrienne and husband Mark Jaworski, and Jayme and husband Don Bragg; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Dick Ryan and wife Barbara, and Bill Ryan and Sue Ryan; as well as several nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Connie and Bessie Ryan; and his brothers Bob, Gerald, and Delbert (wife Joyce).

Tom lived a full life marked by hard work, dedication, and love for his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.