Memorial service for Tom McQueen will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church of Claremore. Dr. Ray Crawford will officiate. Military honors will be performed by the U.S. Army. Services are under the direction of MMS-Payne Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
Tom passed away Friday, November 20, 2015 at the age of 87.
Tommy Jay McQueen, the son of C.C. and Florence Mondy McQueen was born September 20, 1928 in Trusdale, Kansas. There he spent his childhood as one of four McQueen children. As he became old enough he began attending Trusdale Schools. Graduating high school in 1946. He then began his working career at a local men’s clothing store, as well as working for many local ranchers.
However many things changed in 1951 with the outbreak of the Korean Conflict, Tom at the age of 22 was called to serve his country. He served in the United States Army from January of 1951 through November of 1952.
Tom then returned home to Kinsley, Kansas. He took a job in Wichita, and began working for Boeing Aircraft. It was around this time while listening to a local western band that he met Bobbie Coble. They would marry in Wichita, Kansas on February 11, 1955. They made their home in Wichita for the next several years. Then in 1968 after 16 years of service at Boeing, Tom took a job working for American Airlines in Tulsa. Wanting to move away from the city life Tom moved his family to Verdigris. He stayed there until moving to Claremore in 1992. He retired from American Airlines a short time later after 20 years of service.
Throughout his life Tom had many activities he enjoyed. Things such as serving as Scout Master for his 3 sons, being active in all his children’s sports, and taking family vacations. Later in life he enjoyed taking trips with his sister and brother-in-law. However throughout life he was always faithful to his churches. From Bethany Methodist Church in Kansas where he was baptized, then to the First United Methodist Church in Claremore where his current membership has been for many years. There he was active in Sunday School, and the men’s worship group. He also volunteered to deliver for Meals on Wheels .
He is preceded in death by his parents, C.C and Florence McQueen, and siblings, Charlene Newby, Roy McQueen and Jim McQueen.
Survivors include his wife Bobbie of the home; children, Patrick McQueen and wife Michele, Jeff McQueen, Lee McQueen and wife Connie and Kimberly Dowd and husband Lyle all of Claremore; grandchildren, John McQueen and wife Brandi, David McQueen, Chloe McQueen, Rachael and Heather McQueen, Blake McQueen and wife Holly, Steven McQueen, and Mariah, Ryan and Sarah Dowd; great-grandchildren, Randy, Audree, Kayla, J.J. and Aviry and Asher, and great-great-grandson, Josiah.
