Thomas Craddock Howard III

Tom was born on October 16, 1948 and died on January 4, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Dallas, Texas, he graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas in 1966. Tom attended SMU where he was a member of the of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 1970, Tom married Cynthia Blakeway on June 27th and, on their honeymoon, was notified that he was accepted into the Tulane Medical School.

In 1974, Tom and Cindy moved to Oklahoma City to begin his internship and residency. In 1979, they moved to Edmond, OK where he began his career as an orthopedic surgeon at McBride Clinic, specializing in hands and upper extremities. In 1999, Tom became President of McBride Clinic. In addition to his excellence as a surgeon, physician, and mentor, he was astute at the business of the medical practice. During his tenure, he testified to Congress on the importance of physician leadership and ownership of hospitals. He was subsequently instrumental in the development of McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital, a successful physician owned hospital that serves as a legacy to his commitment to his partners. He resigned as the board President in 2008 and in 2018, retired after 39 years. He also served on the boards of the Edmond Public Schools Foundation, Canterbury Choral Society, and InvesTrust.

Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cindy Howard and their three daughters Sara Ross (Scott) and their children Oscar and Quincy, his daughter Molly Lester (Dustin) and their children Jaquelin, Taylor, and Maya, his daughter Libby Howard, and his beloved dog, Sadie, who could do no wrong. He is also survived by his sister Fredna Grimland (Tom) and their children Megan de la Asunción (Gonzalo) and their children Aiden, Johanna, and Sami; Monica Conlin (Sean) and their children Crosby, Dylan, and Owen; his brother Todd Howard (Elizabeth) and their children Boyd and Catherine; his sister Laurie Quinlan and her son Cooper; his sister-in-law Jere Irvin (Rob) and their son Richard; his nieces Haley Gassman and her daughter Riley, Elle Norris, and Shelby Gassman.

He is preceded in death by his mother Reba Howard Buschardt, father Thomas C. Howard, mother-in-law Betty Terrell Blakeway, father-in-law James Goin Blakeway, and his sister-in-law Cathlyn McGowan. The family is grateful for all of the love and support from his many family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held January 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel Ave. in Oklahoma City. The Reverend Dan Junkin is presiding. In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of what was important to Tom, the family ask that you make a donation to the scholarship fund of your choice.