Thomas Christian Henry

On Friday, November 10, 2023, Thomas Christian Henry, departed this earthly realm to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in eternal glory.

Tom was born February 28, 1936 at Lake Texoma in the neighboring village of Kingston, Oklahoma, the son of George Skipworth Henry and the beautiful Jennie Florence May. He graduated Salutatorian at Kingston High School and was an active Kingston Alumnus. He loved football and was a member of the school's football team. He graduated Salutatorian at Kingston High, and while attending the University of Oklahoma, joined the U.S. Naval Reserve. Following graduation from OU with a B.S. in History, he married Patricia Ann Jones of Amarillo, Texas. As an Ensign in the U. S. Navy, his first active duty assignment was Bainbridge, Maryland teaching history at the Naval Preparatory School for Annapolis.

In 1963, he completed Naval Flight School Training at Naval Air Stations Pensacola and Corpus Christi, and subsequently was stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California. Thereafter, he was deployed to Sangley Point Naval Station in the Philippines where he flew reconnaissance missions in the amphibious P5M Marlin over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

In 1977 he was assigned the Commanding Officer of ABC H9B DET 270 at Naval Air Station Dallas, and in 1981 he was assigned Commanding Officer of NAS Miramar 170. He attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island in 1985, and in 1996 retired at the rank of Captain.

Throughout, he was a devoted patriot who served his country with pride and dedication. His exuberance for American history coupled with his exceptional ability to portray its historic events with appealing anecdotes enabled him to share his talent with others. During America's 1976 Bicentennial, he published a book entitled The Establishment of the Establishment. The book received meritorious review in 'Business Week' magazine.

As an Adjunct Professor at OSU/OKC for more than 30 years he received the award "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" for three consecutive years. Additionally, he was awarded the maximum-allowable student body awards for "Outstanding Adjunct Faculty."

Adherence to Christian values was primary and uppermost in forming the framework of his life. Tom was a forever-member of the Church of Christ and was an abidingly faithful servant throughout. He served as a Deacon in the former Village Church of Christ, and continued attendance as a devoted member of the Britton Road Church of Christ until a month before his departure.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; a son, Chris; and a daughter, Mara; all of Oklahoma City.

Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

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