Thomas Locust Jr.

Thomas Locust Jr., a devoted family man and cherished member of the community, passed away on January 9, 2026, in Gore, Oklahoma, at the age of 68 years, 3 months, and 22 days. Born on September 18, 1957, in Claremore, Oklahoma, Thomas lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and passion.

After completing his education, graduating from the Class of 1976 at Gore High School, and furthering his studies at OSU Okmulgee Tech, he embraced his role in the workforce with tenacity and commitment. Thomas was a truck driver for FDF. He then retired, after 30 years, with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), where he was a respected and reliable presence within the organization.

He had a vibrant personality, known for his enthusiasm as a fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and the Washington Redskins, and he loved coaching youth ballgames.

Thomas’s love for his family was evident in everything he did. He was married to his beloved wife, Carolina Mae Locust, for an incredible 47 years, building a life filled with love and togetherness. He is also survived by his sons, Thomas Locust III and wife, Jeanie, and Chad Michael Locust and fiancée, Chrissie Sugar; along with his daughter, April Denise Abercrombie "Baby Girl", and husband, Chester III; and his brother, Arthur Joe Locust and wife, Tena; his grandchildren, Angelica Josephine "AJ" Jones, Chester Ray "Ray Ray" Abercrombie IV, Thomas "Knuckles" "Jefferson" Joseph Abercrombie, and Jonathon Joe "Jonny" Jones Jr., many nieces and nephews, and his ODOT family and many friends.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Liz Locust; his sisters, Linda Barnett and Eloise Locust; his brothers, Leslie Locust and Michael Locust; and his grandparents. Though he has departed from this world, the memories and lessons he imparted will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation to honor Thomas Locust Jr. will take place on January 13, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel at Forever Memories Funeral Services, 463505 OK-101, Sallisaw, Oklahoma 74955. Services will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1 PM at Cedar Springs Indian Baptist Church in Gore, Oklahoma, with burial at Webers Cemetery to follow. Pastor Jack and Pastor Al Ruckman will be officiating with deacon, Jeremy Locust. Pallbearers are, Chester Ray "Ray Ray" Abercrombie IV, Thomas "Knuckles" "Jefferson" Joseph Abercrombie, Chester Ray Abercrombie III, Jonathon Joe "Jonny" Jones Jr., Dale Glass, Jeremy Locust, Robert "Kemo" Watts, and Ralph Watts. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Van Slyke, Dwayne Van Slyke, Rocky Barnett, Kyle Locust, Jack "Michael" Locust, and his ODOT family.

Thomas will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend.