Larry Thomas “Tom” Welker, 77, of Checotah, passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. He was born on Wednesday, July 23, 1947, to Thomas and Hilma (Murphy) Welker in Poplar Bluff, MO. Tom grew up in Poplar Bluff and graduated from high school there in 1965.
He attended college in Cape Girardeau, MO, and also worked on a dude ranch.
He married Rose Schuler in February 1969; they were married 55 years at the time of his passing. Tom moved his family to Oklahoma City in 1973. He owned and operated a Kerr McGee gas and service station and was a great mechanic.
Tom loved country music, especially the fiddle, banjo and guitar. He also loved to dance and will be remembered as a man that could do a jig.
Tom loved horses and ranching. He was a hard worker and an excellent provider for his family. Tom enjoyed fishing, telling stories, cooking and having a toddy from time to time. His John Deere tractor was his man cave.
He loved his grandchildren beyond measure. Tom was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Muskogee.
He will be missed by all that loved and knew him.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; July 23, 1947 – Dec. 5, 2024
brother, Hirthel Welker and his wife Kathy; brother, Billy Joe Welker.
Tom is lovingly survived by his wife Rose of the home; daughter, Julia Camages, her husband Derek and their children, Dax and Addicus Comages; daughter, Tamara Williams, her husband Matt and their child Piper Williams, all of Checotah; sister, Jean McElwee and husband Bob of Florida, their son, Dan Hickman and wife Terri, and their children Matt and Kalie Hickman all of Edmond; nieces, Linda Skornia, and children, Tim Skornia, Jami Skornia of California; niece Michelle Gillentine; inlaws, Mike Schuler and wife Doris, Joan Arthur and husband Dave, Barb Agnee and husband Brad.
He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and a lifetime of friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Tom’s memory to the Missions of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 321 N Virginia St, Muskogee, OK 74403 (918) 6871351 The family of Tom Welker entrusted his care and cremation to John & Kim Garrett and dedicated staff of Garrett Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service 311 SW 2nd St. Checotah, OK 74426
