Thomas Walter Ballinger, age 73 of Drumright, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa.

Thomas was born on August 12, 1940 in Hutchison, Kansas to the late Walter and Mary Lou O'Boyle Ballinger.

He grew up in Lubbock and was of the Catholic faith. At the age of 15, he began working in Canada on his first pipeline job. He joined the U.S. Army in 1958 at age 18, serving as a green Beret for four years. After returning from the service, he began again working in the pipelines. He was a member of the Oklahoma Pipeliners Union. Thomas retired from the pipeline in 2007. He was also a 32 degree Mason. Thomas enjoyed working on cars and fishing. He loved attending his grandchildren's soccer games and all of their events.

He is survived by his daughter Bobbi Scott and husband Troy of Drumright; step-brother Johnny O'Rourke and wife Imogene of Cushing; and his grandchildren Garrett Scott and Molly Scott.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Flynn Cemetery, Cushing, Oklahoma. Arrangements are entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing, Oklahoma.

Condolences and online guest book are available at www.palmermarlerfh.com.