Thomas B. Justus

Thomas Benjamin Justus, 58, of Muskogee, Oklahoma left his earthly vessel behind to join his Savior in heaven on Friday, March 28, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family and friends after a lengthy, hard fought battle with lung cancer. Tom was born May 25, 1955 in Pontiac, Michigan to Floyd A. Justus and Charlotte C. Bennett Justus. When he was sixteen, his family moved from Lake Orion, Michigan to Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Tom married Sherrye L. Asher on October 12, 1974 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. They made their home in Muskogee for most of their married life. Although Tom left high school during the 11th grade, he went on to get his GED and attended Connors State College. He was employed by Git-N-Go for ten years and Love Bottling Company for twenty-five years, where he held many positions, with Production Manager being the final position before his retirement. Tom loved riding motorcycles and was a member of the GWRRA until he could no longer ride a motorcycle. He also enjoyed cruises, camping, fishing, hunting, and helping others. He was a wonderful family man and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Tom became a Christian at the age of 13 while attending Indian Wood Baptist Church in Lake Orion. Most recently, he had been attending New Life Center in Muskogee. His favorite scripture was “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 Tom was a member of the Noon Lions Club in Muskogee for several years. While a member, he was chosen as “Tail Twister of the Year” for District 3-0. Most will remember him for his “Chicken Checker” stories. Tom is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sherrye Justus, of the home; daughters, Cynthia L. Mariano and Jacob, Brandy C. Moore and Gary Carter; son, Jessie D. Justus and Maegen Millstead, all of Muskogee; grandchildren, Laynnye Duggan of Tulsa, Jonathon Moore, Samantha Moore, Jayccye Mariano, Jacob Mariano, Abbigail Carter, Kendrea Ebbole, Donald Ebbole, Diana Gaytan, Olivia Shiew, and Julie Shiew, all of Muskogee, Matthew Ritchey of Crawley, Louisiana, Sean Hayes and Seth Hayes of Jenks; siblings, Floyd A. Justus and Denise of Tustin, Michigan; Cindy Justus of Pinckney, Michigan, Michelle Justus of Muskogee, Tracy and Deanna Asher of Broken Arrow, Carmen and Sandra and Ferrino of Texas, Bill and Nedra Verge of Union, Missouri; several nieces, nephews, and one onery min-pin, Pepper. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Charlotte Justus; brother, Andrew C. Justus; sisters, Mary Ann Justus and Deby Shiew; and granddaughter, Tommi Lynne Mariano. If only three words could be used to sum up Tom’s life it would be, “Tom Loved Everyone!” In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the “Justus League—Relay for Life” c/o American Cancer Society, BancFirst, 501 N Main, #64, Muskogee, OK 74401. The family would like to thank River Cross Hospice, New Life Center, Philip and Deb Morris, Damon and Malinda Boston, Dr. Tracy and Deanna Asher, all the members of the medical teams, both in Muskogee and Tulsa. Tom’s going home service will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2014 at New Life Center, 4025 Gibson Street (Gibson Street & Muskogee Turnpike) with Pastor Philip Morris officiating.

Thomas B. Justus

May 25, 1955 - March 28, 2014