Thomas Franklin Hailey

Thomas Franklin Hailey completed his earthly journey on Feb. 26, 2018. Tom was born in Okemah, Oklahoma on Jan 15, 1927. He was proceeded in death by his father Thomas Edell Hailey, mother Thelma McAlister Hailey and by his loving wife Audrey Mae Oncale Hailey. He is survived by his children Linda Hailey Knutson and husband David Knutson, Douglas Thomas Hailey and his wife JoLynne Lynch Hailey, five grandchildren Vanessa Peden and husband Thomas Peden, Rachel Twardowski and her husband Eric Twardowski, Thomas Knutson and his Wife Karen Hyland Knutson, Rebecca Hailey, Stephen Hailey and his wife Kristen Stevens Hailey. He had six great-grandchildren, Jenna Hailey Wagner, Margo Wagner, Alexander Peden, Kate Twardowski, Wade Twardowski and Jillien Hailey.

Tom loved his family time and bragging rights on all his grandchildren and greats. He enjoyed attending as many events as possible to show his love and support. Tom and his wife Audrey enjoyed an extended family with their many friends and church. A caring couple who always had room for one more.

He was a veteran of World War II and trained as a pilot after enlisting in 1944 at the eager age of 17. His father had to sign for him to enlist. In 1945 the war ended and to his disappointment, he was “volunteered “to serve in the infantry.

Tom was a member of Deer Park United Methodist church serving in many leadership roles and was a delegate to General Conference for over 20 years. He was devoted to the United Methodist Men. He knew many preachers through the years and loved telling the story about when he was in the hospital for a cardiac procedure. There were five preachers that came to see him the morning of his surgery. For two days, the nurses thought he was a preacher too!

In 1990 he retired after 35 yrs. with Rohm Haas Co. as a Process Technician.

He was a UNION man with O.C.A.W. 4-367 serving as union Steward, was elected to the executive board and part of the negotiating committee. He was a tough contract negotiator and if there was a strike, he never crossed a picket line. Civic responsibility was an important part of his life and he served as precinct judge starting in the late 1970’s.

He learned to love and appreciate nature as a young boy, hunting, fishing and roaming the woods with his father. His hobbies were hunting, photography, woodworking, dancing, watching “Star Trek”, “Indiana Jones” and John Wayne movies. He loved attending the yearly Air Shows at Ellington Field. As a photographer, he won many competitions and was published. His “Bluebonnets” photo won a place on the Texas Highways Calendar. He was the family photographer for years but especially enjoyed landscape photography. His woodworking items were sold at the Methodist Market alongside Miss Audrey’s Christmas crafts. Tom and his wife Audrey were supporters of the arts in their community. The Art Park Players was their favorite and as season ticket holders, they rarely missed their dinner/theater night.

All his life, Tom Hailey was an early bird, up by five, out by six. He was also guilty of a few early bird phone calls. Breakfast was his favorite meal of the day. In retirement he had plenty of time to meet the guys at Ken’s and at Whataburger. Whataburger was his number one favorite breakfast destination. His friends and family believe he must have been one of the founding members of the Whataburger breakfast club or owned stock. With his gift card in hand, he met his breakfast buddies. They shared their aches, pains, world views, joys and tall tales. Raise your coffee mug, a toast to Tom.

The Hailey family would like to thank their friends, DPUMC family, Parson House staff and Tradition Hospice Care. We are grateful, he was truly blessed. We are glad he is holding hands with his Cajun Queen once again.