Thomas Ryle Allen died November 3, 2026, in Midwest City, Okla., at the age of 77 years 28 days. Graveside services were held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.
Tom was born October 6, 1949, in Torrance, California, to Thomas and Waunita Morene (Elsten) Allen.
Raised in Owenville, Arkansas, and a proud 1967 graduate of Fountain Lake Schools, Tom initially aspired to be an agriculture teacher. Yet, destiny led him to serve his country with honor as a member of the United States Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, Tom found joy and camaraderie in construction, traveling across states with his good friend Gene.
Tom found love when he met and married Carolyn Leinen. Together they had three children, and spent 20 years together before parting as friends. In 1994, Tom found love again when he met and married Nancy Kelley in Burkburnett, Texas. They spent many years together until Nancy’s passing in 2014.
His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to Oklahoma City, where he owned a mechanic shop before venturing into the trucking industry with his own semi-truck. He concluded his professional journey with Elliott Trucking in Vinita, Okla., retiring in 2017.
Tom’s passions took him outdoors to fish, ride, and skillfully cook meats on a smoker crafted by his good friend Carl. His later days were enriched by the love of his adult children and their families, with whom he spent the last six months, forging deeper connections and cherishing precious moments. Forever held in affection were Aunt Terri and Ginger, and Tom was grateful for recent cherished visits with them. His life was a tapestry of love, friendship, and dedication, woven with the threads of heartfelt relationships and memorable journeys.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Wauinita Allen; his brother, Wade Allen; his sister, Janice Allen; his first wife, Carolyn Allen; and his second wife, Nancy Allen.
Survivors include his son, Billy Allen and wife, Deana; his daughter, Lori Clark and fiancé, Larry Onan; his daughter, Bonnie Copeland; his grandchildren, Maddison Allen, Morgan Clark, Jaxten Copeland and Cooper Copeland; and numerous other relatives and friends.