Tom Sheldon Bomford

Tom Sheldon Bomford, lifelong resident of Miami, Oklahoma, passed away on February 3, 2017 at home surrounded by family. He is held in high regard and loved by many. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Routt Bomford; his parents, George & Audrey Bomford; 2 sisters, Doris Wilson & husband Paul, Muriel Campbell & husband Kenneth; one brother, George Irving Bomford and 2 nephews. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Newman of Tulsa, Oklahoma; three grandchildren and six great grandchildren, Laura & Tim Wojtalik, Zack and Audrey of Louisville, Colorado, Debbie & Jeff Graham, Maddie and Tommy of Norman, Oklahoma and Jeff & Liz Newman, Ames and Cate of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four nieces and two nephews. Tom was born in Miami on January 1, 1924. He led a full and ambitious life. In his youth he became an Eagle Scout at the age of 14 and attended the first Jamboree in the USA. He was an accomplished musician playing both clarinet and saxophone in the Miami High School Band and later in several dance bands in Miami, Altus and Norman, Oklahoma. At OU he played with the Ramblers and the Varsity Club. He served in WW II with "D" Company, 1st Batallion, 413th Regiment, 104th Infantry Division and earned the Bronze Star. After graduating from Miami High School in 1941, he attended Northwestern State College in Altus, Oklahoma before entering the War, and after his return attended NEO in Miami, Oklahoma before graduating from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma in the spring of 1948 with a degree in Finance and Business Administration. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and served as Eminent Commander. While at OU, Tom met Shirley Ann Routt of Okmulgee, Oklahoma. They married on December 22, 1947, and celebrated their 68th Anniversary in 2015. In June of 1948, he joined his father in the Insurance business in Miami. He was a member of Rotary Club, serving as President, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, serving as President, a member of the NEO Boosters, serving as President and a founding member of the A-Team. He was also a founding member of The Beef Club, a member of the Sooner Club, The Touchdown Club, the President’s Associates and a Director of the Chip In Club all of the University of Oklahoma. He served on the board of First National Bank of Miami for 40+ years. He was a proud contributor and leader of his community and valued his many friendships. Tom was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Miami, serving as a Deacon, Elder and Choir member. He was co-owner of Bomford Farms, a Private Pilot, a seasoned sailor, an avid duck hunter and a Retriever Field Trial Judge. He was an accomplished photographer and participated in the Miami Camera Club. He enjoyed both tennis and golf partially for the sport but more importantly for the good times with friends. He was passionate about his smoker and often barbecued ribs, brisket and pork butt. He was a long time season ticket holder for OU Football and a supportive fan of all things OU. Family time was always a priority. He was known as TomTom by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. There were family travels and cruises, days on Grand Lake, barbecue feasts and shared times cooking, celebrating holidays, attending games, concerts and family graduations. Many of his talents and passions were shared with his family and traditions live on. A Celebration of Tom’s life is scheduled at The First Presbyterian Church of Miami on Thursday February 9, 2017 at 1:00 pm, with a reception to follow from 2:00-4:00pm at the Peoria Ridge Golf Course. In lieu of flowers the Family requests that memorials be made to the church.

Tom Sheldon Bomford

January 1, 1924 - February 3, 2017