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William Thomas “Tom” Anderson, 86, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 3, 1938, in Yonkers, Oklahoma, to Odes Ray and Ida Thomas (Jenkins) Anderson.
Tom spent his childhood in the Yonkers area near Locust Grove and lived much of his life in the Peggs area. A hardworking man, Tom took on various roles to support his family, from cutting and splitting countless ricks of wood to working the hay fields, operating heavy equipment, and honing his skills as a carpenter. He also owned and operated a dairy farm and raised livestock, embodying the steadfast spirit of a true farmer.
Tom married Norma Leigh Hinton, and together they raised five children. Though their marriage ended in divorce, their bond endured, with Norma remaining a steadfast presence in his life until the very end. Tom cherished the simple joys of life—spending time outdoors, working in his garden, and sharing its bounty with family, friends, and his church community. His daughter Karen fondly remembers following in his footprints while he tended the garden, a lasting symbol of his guidance and love.
An avid outdoorsman, Tom enjoyed hunting and poured his energy into maintaining a yard so immaculate it resembled a park. In his later years, he found joy in caring for “Buddy,” Norma’s beloved dog, forming a special companionship. The sight of baby animals on his farm created precious memories for all who visited.
Above all, Tom was devoted to his faith and family. As a longtime member of Four Corners Church of God of Apostolic Faith, he demonstrated unwavering Christian values and set a profound example of love, strength, and fatherhood. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Tom is survived by: 2 daughters: Monica Cole of Locust Grove, Oklahoma and Karen Chrisenbery and husband Jim of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; 1 son: Aaron Anderson and wife Shelly of Peggs, Oklahoma; 9 grandchildren: Carisa Fanning and husband Patrick, Nathan Anderson, Kirk Anderson and wife Bethany, Jennifer Bailey and husband Jason, Rebecca Chrisenbery, Tori Jaquay and husband Brandon, Jean-Luc Anderson, Lexi Baltzell and husband Dan, and Zach Anderson and wife Tiffany; 6 great grandchildren: Alex Bailey, EmmaLeigh Bailey, Ariana Anderson, Kyleigh Chrisenbery, Colton Fanning, Sebastian Jaquay, and Oakley Robinett; 3 brothers: Richard Anderson and wife Kathy of Hulbert, Oklahoma, Odean Anderson and wife Sheila of Cedar Crest, Oklahoma, and JD Anderson of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; 2 sisters: Mary Lou Simpson of Tahlequah, Oklahoma and Charolette Fisher of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; 2 sons: Marlan Anderson and William “Bill” Anderson; 1 son-in-law: Larry Cole; 1 daughter-in-law: Pamela Brown-Anderson; 4 brothers: O.J. Anderson, Jimmy Paul Anderson, Doyle Ray Anderson, and Seth Theodore Anderson; 2 sisters: Eulah Laverne Groat and Vonda Lee Simpson.
A celebration of Tom’s life will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Four Corners Church of God of Apostolic Faith near Peggs, Oklahoma, with Reverend Jackie Fine and Pastor Henry Fine officiating. Interment will follow at Gray Cemetery near Peggs, Oklahoma. Arrangements have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.LocustGroveFuneralHome.com.