Tom Renfro

George Thomas “Tom” Renfro, 62, longtime resident of Muskogee County, passed away early Friday morning, August 29, 2014, surrounded by his family. Tom was born May 17, 1952 in Muskogee to John Edward and Margie (Riggs) Renfro. Tom was next to the youngest of five children born to John and Margie. Tom grew up and attended Muskogee Public Schools and graduated from Muskogee Central High School in 1970. After high school, he attended OSU Okmulgee, where he earned an Associate’s Degree. Tom’s professional career included working for Texas Instruments and Prestolite. In 1976, he opened Renfro Electric in Muskogee. Under Tom’s leadership, Renfro Electric has grown to two locations and has over 35 employees. Tom’s business ethics and leadership has made Renfro Electric into one of Oklahoma’s most respected Electrical Contractors. On October 14, 2000, Tom had his first date with Karen Allen. Karen had worked for Tom during the summers when she had time off from teaching school, and she remembers how much she admired his business ethics and how honest he always conducted his business affairs. Tom and Karen were married on June 30, 2007 in Muskogee at First United Methodist Church. They recently renewed their vows on June 30, 2014 at First United Methodist Church in Fort Gibson. They celebrated over 7 years of marriage together. Tom’s family remembers him as a man who loves his family. His children and grandchildren had a very special relationship with him. He was an active Father and Grandfather. They remember how important it was to him that his family succeeded. His brother-in-law, Dennis, kindly recalled about how Tom had helped his son and how grateful he was for Tom’s help. His brother Jerry remembers that Tom was very generous and would always help someone in need. His family also recalls what a sports enthusiast Tom has always been, especially with long distance running, cycling, and golf. Tom was an active and faithful member at Boulevard Christian Church for many years. He served in many areas of the Church including the Youth Ministry, the Maintenance Committee, and the Ushering Committee. His daughter Alison remembers how involved Tom was in traveling to the C.I.Y. youth trips. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Mission Fund at Boulevard Christian Church, 1700 W. Shawnee, Muskogee, OK, 74401. He was preceded in death by his parents. Tom is survived by his wife, Karen Allen Renfro of the home; his sons, Bradley Renfro and wife Kimberly of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Mark Renfro of North Little Rock, Arkansas; his daughters, Ashley Fuller of Kansas City, MO and Alison Renfro of Muskogee; his step-sons, Sean Allen and wife Laura of Tulsa, OK and Matt Allen of Muskogee; his step-daughters, Kelly McCollom and husband Trevor of Broken Arrow, OK, and Diana Howe of Wagoner; his grandchildren, Zachary, Emma and Madeline Renfro, Annberlynne and Logan Fuller, Hunter and Gauge Jackson, Easton and Westin McCollom (twin brothers due in October 2014); his siblings, John E. Renfro Jr. and wife Evelyn of McAlester, Carolyn Hill and husband Dennis of Fort Gibson, Jerry Renfro and wife Lynn of Muskogee, and Rodney Renfro and wife Arneta of Muskogee; his father-in-law, Monroe Reece of Tulsa; his sister-in-law, Nancy Smith of Santa Rosa, CA; very close neighbors and friends, Paul and Kara Shook, Tom and Kris Jones, and Deb and Darius Taylor all of Fort Gibson; numerous nieces and nephews and other family members and friends. Memorial Services will be Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at 11:00 A.M. at Boulevard Christian Church, 1700 West Shawnee, Muskogee, with Minister James McCracken officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Grieg Songer, Bob Moore, Ed McGrath, James Hess, Toby Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Steven Hill and Tammy Genn. Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home and Crematory, 1830 North York Street, Muskogee, OK. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com

Tom Renfro

May 17, 1952 - August 29, 2014