Thomas James Shobert

Thomas James Shobert, known lovingly as Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Papa entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. He was 78 years old. 

Thomas was born to Pleasant Shobert and Annie (Sloan) Shobert on December 29, 1942 in Noble, Oklahoma. He grew up around Noble and graduated from Noble Schools in 1959. Shortly after graduation, he joined and served in the Army National Guard for six years. While in the National Guard, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Kay Robbins. They met while dragging Main Street at the Norman Train Depot. It was “love at first sight” for Tommy. He asked Kay to marry him the night that they met. However, they dated for nine months before marrying on September 18th, 1961. Their loving marriage lasted nearly 60 years until Thomas’ death.

 After marrying, the couple made their home in Moore and had two children, James Thomas and Lavonda Kayleen. James and Lavonda have fond memories of their dad throughout their lives. During winter storms, he would take them “Cardboard Snow Sledding” and encouraged the building of snowmen. He taught both of them how to drive a stick shift on dirt country roads.

Thomas’ grandchildren and great grandchildren were especially dear to him. He spent many hours playing, imagining, and just having fun with them. Being around the kids, brought out his “kid at heart”.

Thomas worked hard throughout his life. He made highway signs and enjoyed pointing out the signs that he made. For a time, he worked as a Pressman for The Daily Oklahoman and The Journal. For nearly 40 years, Thomas worked for The United States Postal Service in Oklahoma City. He worked as a postal carrier and then in the Maintenance Department. He enjoyed his co-workers; many became lifelong friends.

Tommy and Kay enjoyed taking road trips, driving on backroads, highways, and all roads in between. Their travels consisted of traveling all 48 contiguous states, visiting each state multiple times. Their travels also took them to Mexico and Canada. His favorite state to visit was Montana, “Big Sky Country”. He and Kay shared their love of travel with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren – taking them many places.

Thomas loved old trucks and cars; you could see him driving around town in his 1949 yellow Ford pick-up. He liked building fences and woodworking. He made “Don’t Get Mad” (Wahoo) marble boards and played this game with his family. He was also a very good domino player and enjoyed playing cards. 

He was a “unique character”, due to his sense of humor, wit, and practical jokes that he pulled on family, friends, and co-workers.

Thomas is predeceased by his parents; brothers, Wayne, Richard, Calvin, and Melton; sisters, Norma Jean and Nelda. He is survived by his wife Kay; son James Shobert; daughter Lavonda Shobert Howell and husband Bruce; granddaughter Audrey Shobert Shroll and husband Jeremy; grandson Chad Hale and wife Rachel. Thomas was blessed with four great grandchildren, Jay and Nolan Shroll, Raelie and Lawson Hale. Also surviving is his sister Lucy Edwards and many nieces and nephews.

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