Thomas Willoughby, Sr.

It is with deep sorrow to announce that Thomas Basil Willoughby Sr, 69, of Broken Bow,
Oklahoma, went to be with the Lord on April 30, 2026.
Tom was born March 18, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio to Homer and Norma Willoughby. He grew
up in Columbus with his many friends and siblings to keep him busy. In his younger years, Tom
would join the United States Army where he would meet his wife, Kathy Willoughby. Tom is
most known for his boisterous laughter and stories from his many adventures. There was not a
day that went by that he did not live his life to the absolute fullest. Tom has touched the lives of
so many people and will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family and friends.
He had a passion for horse racing, trucks, and gambling. Tom found joy in being everyone’s
friend and “Papaw.” Whether it was the first time he met someone or the hundredth time, Tom
always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. Anyone who was around him for very long
knows that he was kind and energetic, loud and soft, caring and blunt. Most of all, Tom loved to
lend a helping hand to anyone in need, regardless of the situation or person.
The family would like it to be known that Tom was not only an organ donor, but a recipient
himself. In 2009, Amanda Shoemaker, Toms niece, would donate her kidney so that we could all
have his infectious laugh for many more years. It is because of donors like Amanda that we not
only got to enjoy Tom, but also his son Tommy who is also a recipient. The family requests that
our loved ones and friends ensure that they are organ donors, as it has given us some of the best
years.
Tom is survived by his wife, Kathy of 49 years; son, Tommy Willoughby and daughter-in-law
Angela; granddaughter, DeLaney Argo and husband Matt; grandson,
Aiden Willoughby; bonus grandchildren, Payton Clark and husband Trinity, Jordyn
Dumont, Axel Lee; as well as great-grandchildren, Waylon and Bexlynn; siblings, Sherman
Willoughby and wife Pam, Pixie Willoughby, Tina Andres and husband Mike, Rhoda Cremeans;
sister and brother-in-law, Kayla and Guy Smith; brother-in-law, Loyd Gray Jr. and wife Tracy; along with numerous other relatives and many friends. He
was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Amy; and sister, Penny Willoughby.
A memorial service, followed by visitation, will be held at Clardy Funeral Service Chapel in
Idabel on Monday May 4, 2026 at 6pm. We invite our family and friends to join us in
remembrance and celebration of Tom’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that the donations be made to Forest Hill Church Cemetery
in the Forest Grove Community in honor of Tom’s memory.
Though Tom’s time with us was cut short, the impact he made will never be forgotten.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11

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