Tom Morris Hamilton

Thomas Morris Hamilton, 84, of Cleveland, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at his home in Cleveland, Oklahoma.

Tom was born on December 22, 1932, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. He was the son of Morris Ellis and Ethel Mae (Parker), Hamilton. Tom received his education in Sand Springs and later graduated from Sand Springs High School with the Class of 1951. During his time growing up Tom was very active playing baseball, and during his senior year and was the All-State catcher. Following high school, Tom joined the United States Navy in May of 1951. Tom served his country for over three years before he was honorably discharged in May of 1955. During his time in the military, Tom received the following citations and decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Ribbon and the China Service Medal all while active aboard the USS Cassin Young.

Tom returned to the Sand Springs area and accepted employment at the local steel mill. He later began working at the glass plant until he was laid off. On February 15, 1957, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma; Tom was united in marriage to Veva Nell Hollingshead. Tom later attended the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy. Following his completion of training, Tom and Veva moved to Durant, Oklahoma for his first assignment. In 1968, Tom was transferred to the Cleveland area. During his time in Cleveland Tom worked on the Cimarron Turnpike, Troop K as well as a Lake Patrolman before he retired in 1986.

Tom enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, playing golf and woodcarving. Tom and Veva also enjoyed traveling. One of their most memorable times was seeing the East coast and the Smokey Mountains. They also took several trips to Colorado. Tom was a fantastic wood carver. He attended many classes and attended yearly War Eagle Seminars with Veva. He carved many mountain men, Native American pieces and eagles to name a few. Tom also served on the Oklahoma State Troopers Association for many years and was the first secretary of the association. Tom would often write letters to the editor with the alias of T.R. Hooper or S.M. Hokey. Tom was a current and active member of the First Christian Church since 1970, serving as Deacon from 1975 and later in 1991 as Elder.

Survivors are his three children Julie Horine and her husband Craig of Pawnee, Oklahoma, Lori Hamilton and Mikal Brown of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Mark Hamilton and his wife Michelle of Collinsville, Oklahoma, eight grandchildren Michelle Bickle and husband Brandon, Jake Horine and wife Erica, Adam Horine and wife Kristina, Justin Cavin and wife Shannon, Lesley Pooler, Jared Cavin and wife Miranda, Kaleb Hamilton and wife Mallory, Keenan Hamilton; fourteen great grandchildren Jaycie, Madison, Kaelea, Rowdy, Jeshua, Hallie, Aiden, Avery, Austin, Zayne, Laney, Kinlee, Aurora, Cooper; three great-great grandchildren Sophia, Carter, Kash and a host of other relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by parents, wife Veva, two sisters Marvella Calvert Dean, Yvonne Hayes, and a great granddaughter Stormi Noelle.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday at the First Christian Church with Pastor David Logsdon officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Honors were provided by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Honor Guard and the VFW Fifth District Rifle Team. Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com. Funeral services were under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.