Thomas "Tom" E. Yadon

Thomas Edgar Yadon, born April 30, 1931 in Muskogee, OK passed away peacefully at home with family Monday, July 6, 2015. He retired from State Farm Insurance June 1, 2015. He began his 47 year career as a State Farm agent on June 1, 1968. Tom was a graduate of Central High School in Muskogee in 1949. He joined the United States Air Force at Tinkerfield Air Force Base being stationed in Midwest City, Oklahoma. He was the director of the Air Force Band. Tom studied at the University of Kentucky and graduated from Oklahoma City University in OKC, Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in 1957. He did graduate work in music at the University of Michigan and received his Master’s Degree. He also did Doctoral work at the University of Indiana in Bloomington, Indiana. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Frances Jean Vaughan in 1951, they had five children. . Tom and his family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - Day Saints. At CHS, Tom directed the Choral Club, a music organization that still to this day brings many happy memories to the students and Tom. He also directed the CHS band, which was an award winning organization. Tom became the supervisor of music for Muskogee Public Schools in the early 60’s. Tom taught many clarinet students over the years, and many of his students continue to play to this day. He played clarinet in a woodwind Quintet with Margaret Bebb, Harvey Randall, Martin Bebb and Debbie Armitter; such beautiful music they played. Tom organized and directed the Muskogee Community Choir and Orchestra for 42 years. Performing Handel’s Messiah every Christmas was a tradition Muskogee enjoyed; it was a delight for many. Tom will always be grateful beyond words to his faithful secretaries, Delores Faith and Jan McKinne. Their dedication and loyalty for over 30 years were so appreciated and enabled Tom to reach levels of distinction, achievements, and success. He won many State Farm Awards over the years. It could be said that Tom knew no strangers. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances Jean Vaughan Yadon (July 2008); his parents, Walter Charles Yadon, Sr. and Lindrel Elizabeth McCoy Yadon. He is survived by his brother, Walter Charles Yadon, Jr. (Charley) and wife Dorothy of Muskogee, OK; sister, Jo Anne White of San Diego, CA; his daughters, Marcie Kohlbacher and husband Ken of Broken Arrow, OK, and Julie Kay and husband Gregg of Parker, CO; sons, Eddie Yadon and the late Betty Yadon of Muskogee, OK, Richard Yadon of the home, and Kenneth Yadon of Muskogee, OK; grandchildren, Erik Kohlbacher and wife Jessica of Broken Arrow, OK, Dr. Jared Kohlbacher and wife Raina of Presque Isle, ME, Gretchen Bowman and husband Dr. Benjamin Bowman of Edmond, OK, Heidi Kohlbacher of Edmond, OK; David Kay and wife Sarah of Castle Rock, CO, Lindsay Larson and husband Jake of Bridge City, TX, Lesley Stockett and husband Brandon of Evanston, WY, Hailey Holloway and husband John of Bridge City, TX, Dr. Jeff Kay and wife Brianne of Roy, WA, Steve Kay and wife Ashleigh of Castle Rock, CO, Holly Kay of Parker, CO, Tommy Yadon and wife Ashlee, and Michael Yadon all of Muskogee, OK; and many other family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, the Yadon family would appreciate expressions of sympathy sent as donations to the Tom Yadon Musical Scholarship Award Fund, c/o Dennis Wiebel, Chairman, 204 N 37th, Muskogee, OK 74401. Tom’s family will receive visitors from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel. A private family service will be held

Thomas "Tom" E. Yadon

April 30, 1931 - July 6, 2015