Tom J. Wake

Tommy “J” (Tom) Wake, 84, passed away at Eastar Hospital in Muskogee on Saturday, November 9, 2013. He was born March 13, 1929 to Thomas A. and Grace B. Wake in Newton, Iowa. His family moved to Memphis, TN in 1942 where he graduated from Messick High School in 1947. Tom worked as a journeyman electrician and was a member of Local #474, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Memphis. Tom married his beloved wife, June Abernathy on October 20, 1950 in Memphis, TN and they shared 63 wonderful years together. He served in the United States Marine Corp for 2 years during the Korean War. Tom traveled for Westinghouse Corp. for several years selling electrical supplies. He and his family moved to Helena-West Helena, Arkansas in 1965 where he continued working as an electrician. He was also a volunteer fireman with the West Helena Fire Dept. In 1977, Tom and his family moved to Muskogee where he was employed as Manager of Muskogee Marine Supply Co. at the Port of Muskogee. After obtaining his boat pilots license, he was also the Towboat Pilot and Port Captain at the Port of Muskogee. Tom later worked for Eastern Oklahoma Export Grain Elevator Co as Port Captain at the Port of Dunkin in Wagoner, retiring in 1994. He was an avid golfer, hunter, and fisherman. He had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger. He was a hard worker who was always willing to help others. Tom belonged to Muskogee Citizens Police Academy Association and “Extra Eyes.” Tom will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be missed dearly. The family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 3704, Memphis, TN, 38173-0704. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Grace Wake; sisters, Helen Horsman and Louise Bozof; and daughter, Diane Carole Wake. He is survived by his wife, June, of the home; daughters, Denise Drywater and husband, Mike of Pryor, Dana Falleur and husband, Mike of Ft. Smith, AR; grandson, Tommy Drywater of Pryor, granddaughter, Rose Jackson and husband, Clint of Adair, OK, step grandchildren, Michael Drywater Jr and wife, Shelly, Richard Drywater, all of Pryor, December Drywater of Tulsa, J.R. Drywater and wife, Carrie of Salina, Amanda Douglas and husband, Larry, Chrystle Drywater, of Tulsa, Justin White of Kennesaw, GA; 15 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barbara Caldwell and husband, Bill of Memphis, TN; brother-in-law, Les Abernathy and wife, Marguerite of Jonesboro, AR, nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Cornerstone Funeral Home. Funeral services celebrating Tom’s life will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Greg Boyd officiating. Interment will follow at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, TN.

Tom J. Wake

March 13, 1929 - November 9, 2013