Thomas William Oder

SFC (Ret) Thomas William Oder, 78, of Burleson, Texas, walked into the arms of Jesus and was completely healed on Sunday, January 25, 2026, after courageously battling cancer with grace and an unwavering trust in God.

Thomas was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, the son of Edna Oder. Dad loved his church home and the members at The Uprising Church in Joshua, Texas.

On November 2, 1968, Tom married the love of his life, Nancy, in Pueblo, Colorado. He often said it was love at first sight—she was wearing an Army fatigue jacket with orange juice cans rolled up in her hair when he first saw her. They shared 54 devoted years of marriage prior to her passing.

He was a college graduate who proudly served his country in the United States Army. He had two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he sustained injuries for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. In addition to his Vietnam tours, he served two tours in Germany during the Cold War. He retired from the military with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Once retired from the military he made a career working for the US postal service until his retirement.

Survivors include three daughters, Melanie McCoy (Tim), Fort Worth, TX, Cheri Rose (Walter), Granbury, TX, Shelly Green (Wade), Crowley, TX, five grandchildren, Brooke Dierke (Matthew), Taylor Brooks, Kendyl Lezak (Austin), Brenden Green, Kyle Green, one great grandson, Jaxson Dierke and another great grandson due in June. His sister Mary, multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to include is Brothers in Arms and all those who served with him.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife: Nancy, Mother: Edna, Brothers: Terry, Seymon (Frank), Joe, and Don, other family, friends, and Brothers in Arms specifically Sp4c Larry Dahl 02/23/71, Lt General Thomas G. Rhame, and all those who served with him.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.:

Laurel Land Funeral Home

7100 Crowley Road

Fort Worth, Texas 76134

Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Followed by interment at 3:00 p.m.