Thomas Raymond Toperzer

Tom was born on August 12,1939 in Homestead, PA to Raymond Toperzer and Blodwyn (Roberts) Toperzer. His love of art began early, and this passion continued into his adult life.

Tom’s education took him from the East Coast to the small town of Sterling, Kansas where he attended Sterling College on a football scholarship. It is also where he met the love of his life, Carol Jane Reece. They married on June 3, 1961, and moved to Winfield, KS. Tom attended Southwestern College, Winfield, graduating in 1964 with a BA in Liberal Arts/Art.

In 1965, Tom’s oldest son Scott was born, followed by his youngest son, Max, born in 1969. While growing a family, Tom completed his Master of Fine Arts degree in 1970 at The University of Nebraska.

Tom’s career as an art museum director and curator took his family to many places. Tom was the director of The Rochester Art Center (MN), The Blanden Memorial Art Museum (IA), The Center for the Visual Arts Gallery at Illinois State University, The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma, Mainsite Contemporary Art in Norman, and the Amarillo Museum of Art (TX). As a museum director, Tom set a high standard. His vision and passion for bringing art to the public created strong exhibition venues, laying the groundwork for longevity of each art space. Tom was also a talented and award-winning painter and was featured in several one-man shows throughout his career.

Above all, Tom was a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandparent. He was a friend to many and loved having coffee and chats with friends. He particularly cherished his time with dear friends from his Searchers church group. Football season was his favorite time of year, as he was a fan of the Sooners and the Steelers.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Carol; and his mother and father: Raymond Toperzer and Blodwyn (Roberts) Toperzer. He is survived by his son Scott Toperzer and his wife, Lydia; son Max Toperzer and his wife, Jennifer; granddaughter Grace Toperzer; grandsons Ben Toperzer and Alvin Toperzer; sister, JoAnn Wainwright; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Primrose Funeral Home Chapel, 1109 N Porter Avenue in Norman on Saturday, July 13 at 10:00 AM. An informal reception will immediately follow.