Thomas Deane Barbour, Sr. passed away last Friday in Oklahoma City. He was born on August 19, 1928 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Clifford Wayne and Irene Margaret Barbour. He grew up in Oklahoma City attending Hawthorne Grade School, Taft Middle School, and Classen High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma from 1946 thru 1951 where he graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. While at O.U., he was a member of Phi Delta Theta social fraternity, Tua Beta Pi Honorary Engineering Society. He was also a member of Sigma Tan, another Engineering Society, as well as the Scabbard and Blade honorary military society.
He entered the U S Air Force in 1951 and served at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in the Research and Development Command. He served thru 1953. He returned to Oklahoma City and began a 37 year service with Allied Materials Corporation. He started in product development and progressed into other positions until becoming Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of the Board. After retiring from Allied Materials, he founded and managed Camden Energy Corporation and Leo Resources Corporation, both oil and gas exploration and development companies. During his business years he belonged to many associations including the American Refiners Association, the National Refiners Association, and the Asphalt Institute. He was a member of the Young Presidents Organization, Downtown Rotary Club, the Board of Directors of the Downtown YMCA , and the Petroleum Club.
Tom married Charlene Gaye Elliot on August 4th, 1950. They remained married until her passing on March 17th 2017. They are both survived by their daughter, Nancy L. Barbour of Belvedere, CA, son, Thomas D. Barbour, Jr. and his wife Susan of Bellvue, CO, three grandsons, Bryan T. Barbour and his wife Jackie, Cory R. Barbour, and Sean E. Barbour. He was proceeded in death by his brother Robert W. Barbour.
Tom was devoted to his career at Allied Materials Corporation. With nearly four decades of company service, he encountered numerous business, economic, and management challenges requiring his wisdom, patience, and keen business sense. He was known for his fairness and integrity. He was also a big supporter of University of Oklahoma football. In the fall on Saturdays, like many Oklahomans, he was focused on “the game”. Above all, Tom’s most valued accomplishment was his 66 year marriage to Charlene and his devotion to his family.
Visitation will be 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Friday, February 8, 2019 with family greeting friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hahn-Cook/ Street & Draper Funeral Home.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Hahn-Cook/ Street & Draper Funeral Home, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. A private interment was held at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Free To Live Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 5884, Edmond, OK 73083.
