Thomas Lee Towell Jr.

Thomas Lee Towell Jr. passed away from this life on January 17, 2022, at the age of 28. Thomas was born on February 3, 1993, in Tulsa, OK to Thomas "Tommy" Lee Sr. and Melissa Ann (Gaebler) Towell. Spending his early years in Bixby, OK and Claremore, OK.
Destined to be a Tiger, Thomas and his family moved to Cleveland, OK in 1998. He attended Cleveland Public Schools from Kindergarten through his Senior year, graduating with the Class of 2011.
Thomas began playing sports at an early age, sharing the love of baseball and basketball with his dad. His dad, Tommy, and Larry Fluman were his coaches until he began school ball representing the Cleveland Tigers. He also played football, basketball, and track during his school years. His mama never missed a game, and was always videoing or taking pictures of her "Lil Man."
Thomas' first job was at Sonic Drive In, carrying on the Towell family tradition. As an adult, Thomas went on to work at Bama Companies in Tulsa OK alongside his dad as an Operator. Thomas always enjoyed working with his hands, taking after his Pawpaw Gaebler and Uncle Carl. He built raised flower beds for his mama sharing the love for growing things from the earth with his own hand's watermelons being his specialty. One of his favorite past times was sitting on the deck with his family, talking and enjoying the outdoors. Some of his other hobbies included listening to music, fishing, and of course traveling. He loved adventures and learning to read a map as a child. Most times being the navigator on family trips.
Thomas' sister, Jess, started calling him Baby Thomas when he was first born. Later when he was "too cool," he became, "Baby T." Thomas and Jess were always very close. They were always listening to music and sharing the latest song they found. Some of their best times together were simply driving the big square of Cleveland or "draggin' main" listening to tunes and of course stopping by Sonic.
Although Thomas never had children of his own, he carried the honor of being his nieces', Finleigh and Cahner Hawkins, "Uncle T". Whether it was sharing pickles, riding scooters, gardening, putting doll houses together, or even teaching them rap music and cool dance moves, he sure loved them.
"My Boy," "Lil man," "Baby Thomas," "Baby T," "J-R," "T.T.," "Uncle T," "Lil Tommy," whatever you called him, you knew who he was. Tough on the outside, but a heart of gold on the inside. Gentle and calm, yet very protective of his loved ones. Protecting those that could not protect themselves. Thomas also had a love for animals, always rescuing another cat or dog he found. His cat Parker (aka "Dog") will forever sleep at the foot of his bed till they meet again.

Thomas always wanted to treat people with kindness and compassion. He wanted to give to others in need and never judged others by who they were, or what they had ever done, believing that everyone has a story and deserved grace. "Never judge a book by its cover," he liked to say. Thomas taught his family more about life, than they could've ever taught him. He will forever have a special place on "Team Towell"
Survivors include his parents Thomas and Melissa Towell of Cleveland, OK, his sister, Jessica (Jess) Leigh (Towell) Hawkins and her daughters, Finleigh Hawkins and Cahner Hawkins, of Bartlesville, OK, the love of his life, Shelly Boothe of Tulsa, OK, his paternal grandmother, Monika Towell, of Cleveland, OK, Carl and Jan Gaebler of Owasso, OK, Carl Gaebler IV and family of Rush Springs, OK, Lavaughn Towell of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Jacob Towell of Cleveland, OK, India Flager and family of Terlton,OK, and many more friends and loved ones. Thomas was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Jesse Towell and maternal grandparents, Carl Jr. and Reatha Gaebler.

In lieu of flowers, Thomas' family has asked that any donations be made, in his honor, to Pound Pals of Cleveland, OK or Pet Collective Society of Tulsa, OK. Chapman-Black Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Thomas at www.chapman-black.com



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