Tom was a proud US Navy Veteran, Chief Gunner's Mate, who served his country for 20 years. It was Tom’s desire to serve in the Navy from the time he was a child. His love of the Navy ran deep. He retired from the Navy in 1972. Tom served on destroyers and traveled the world. He saw duty in Korea, Cuba, the Mediterranean, Japan, and ports all over the world. He shipped out to sea off both the east and west coasts and spend nearly 17 of his 20 years at sea. He was leading Chief for Rivron 13 and 15 on the canals in Viet Nam. It was there he was awarded the Purple Heart. He has received numerous other medals for his distinguished service.
Tom’s love of America ran deep. He was a true patriot. Although he never considered himself a “hero” his actions showed that he was and his love of and service to his country were irrefutable.
On May 17, 1976, Tom was united in marriage to Doris Jo Mayo in El Dorado, Kansas. Their daughter, Shannon Suzanne, was born February 26, 1979. The Creels moved to the Clearwater area in 1980 and lived there for 25 years until moving to Wichita.
After retirement from the Navy, Tom held a civilian job at McConnell Air Force Base. From there, he managed Higgins Equipment Rental for several years. He then accepted a job with Sedgwick County as maintenance supervisor with the Youth Residence Hall. While working at the YRH during the day, he began repairing small engines in his garage at home at night. Demand for his services led to his opening Tom's Lawn and Garden Equipment which he operated for 17 years.
Tom is currently, or has been associated with several veteran's groups over the years which have included The Military Order of the Purple Heart, VFW, American Legion, Fleet Reserve, and DAV. He has been Adjutant for many years for the local Chapter of the MOPH and served a year as State Commander for the organization. Many trips were made to Veterans Homes from Ft. Dodge to Wichita to Winfield to Topeka delivering items requested by the facilities for the veterans. One of his greatest joys was going to schools to speak to elementary students about patriotism and life in the military. Talking to the children gave him great joy.
Tom’s biggest love in this world was his wife, Doris Jo. For the 43 years they had together, they were able to travel all over the United States. Tom and Jo shared so many adventures, laughs and love during their time together that will always be treasured. He was always driven to protect, treasure and care for Jo until death do they part.
Tom was also a devoted father to his daughter, Shannon. While growing up, he shared his love of fishing with her. He also made sure she knew how to handle, shoot, and care for guns responsibly. Some of the greatest things Tom shared with his daughter were his work ethic, his honesty, his commitment and integrity. While Shannon was in high school, there was never a basketball game she played in that Tom missed. He was always her biggest fan. When Shannon married John in 2002, Tom grew to love and respect his son-in-law for the unconditional love he showed his daughter, the security and strength offered to his grandchildren. There is no doubt Tom appreciated the fact John was there for Shannon and Jo as his time on earth ended.
On Tom’s 68th birthday, he received the gift of his grandson, Lucas. Over the years, he has spent time with Lucas showing him to drive, teasing him about girls and picking him up from practices. A few years later, Tom had another grandson, Jefferson. Jefferson has been a constant joy from Tom because of his inquisitive mind and time they spent together. The next grandchild to join the ranks was his granddaughter, Rachel. Rachel was always happy to see her grandpa and could not wait to tell him about how her games had gone or any of the latest news from her day. The final grandchild is Laura. Everyday in preschool, Laura called Grandpa to tell him about her day and talk to him. He missed very few activities that involved his grandchildren and could be found attending soccer, baseball, basketball and softball games for his grandchildren.
He was an avid sports fan. He closely follow the Kansas Jayhawks, the Kansas State Wildcats, the WSU Shockers, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Creel Ayers, his fathers, Cecil Kisner and Henry “Dick” Creel, and his sister, Norma (Jeannie) Brannom.
Chief Creel will be missed greatly by his survivors -- his wife and life’s partner, Jo, his loving daughter, Shannon (John) Garten, and his beloved grandchildren, Lucas, Jefferson, Rachel and Laura Garten. Other family members are sisters, Margaret (Charles) Rennaker of Phoenix, AZ, Barbara (Bill) Shurley, Topeka, KS, Kathryn Kisner, Oklahoma, and brother Cecil Kisner, Jr. of Wichita, KS.
