Thomas (Tommy) Taylor

Thomas (Tommy) Taylor, age 87, a lifelong resident of this area was born on Sept. 10, 1934, in Ryan to N.E. and Gertrude (Williams) Taylor. He peacefully passed away late Saturday night, with his family by his side, on Aug. 13, 2022. A funeral service was held Thursday, Aug. 18, at 1 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, with Randy Southerland officiating, assisted by Mario Pineda. Interment followed at Fairlawn Cemetery, under the direction of Comanche Funeral Home.
Tommy attended first grade in Wichita Falls, Texas, second through sixth grade in Addington and seventh grade through his senior year at Comanche Public Schools, graduating in 1954.

He married Bonnie Branch, the love of his life, on July 31, 1954. They had five children, often referred to as the five M’s, Mark Edward, Matt DeWayne, Mika Jean, Mitzi Dianne, and Marla Yvonne.

Tommy graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1959. He was a double scholarship recipient in both football and track. Later that same year he began his teaching and coaching career at Meridian School, as a seventh-grade math teacher, and basketball and football coach. Tommy later attended summer school at Southwestern State University where he received his Master's Degree in Education.

In 1971, he became Principal at Meridian. In 1977, along with his job as principal, he served as elementary coordinator for Meridian, Liberty, and Comanche. From 1979 through 1982 he served as assistant superintendent for Comanche Public Schools. He received his superintendent's certification from the University of Oklahoma. He served as superintendent of Comanche Public Schools from 1982 through 1990, when he retired.

In 1980, he was appointed to the Commission of the Oklahoma State School Book Committee, appointed by Governor George Nigh. Tommy also served over 20 years in the Waurika Lake Conservancy District, being appointed by the Comanche city manager. He was named an honorary deputy sheriff of Stephens County by former sheriff, Kenneth Landis.

Tommy umpired and refereed all sports for many years. He served as a volunteer fireman for the Meridian Volunteer Fire Department. He served as the coordinator for men's and women's softball tournaments in Meridian.

Tommy was the biggest fan of the Meridian Rockets and Comanche Indians. He, his wife, all children, and several grandchildren attended and graduated from CHS. Tommy was also a huge fan of the Oklahoma Sooners. He loved to fish jug lines, go to Lake Texhoma, follow the Comanche Indians sports teams, and supported all his grandchildren in their sporting events. Tommy and Bonnie were very proud of their children and grandchildren, and they loved them so very much.

Survivors include his five children: Mark Taylor and wife Stacie, Matt Taylor and wife Sherry, Mika Swanson and husband Kerry, Mitzi Powers and husband Andy, and Marla Pregrove and husband Paul. Grandchildren: Shane and Tammy Taylor, Sean and Misty Chaney, Blake Miller, Brandon Barker, Krystal Newsome, Tiffani and Zach Dillon, Mikayla and Brett McCormick, Taylor and Sarah Swanson, Clint and Joran Powers, Caylee and Blake Boyd, Felicia and Cosper Moore, Lexus and Tre’ Balliez; his great-grandchildren: Madison, Mason, Raylee, Adri, Tate, Emi, Daly, Blakely, Zaiden, Corbin, Foster, Indie, McKenzie, McKinley, McKeon, Bryson, Carter, Allie, Rayne, Kylee, Baylor, Beckett, Baker, Collins, and Cameron; a brother-in-law, Jackie Branch and wife Karin; and numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; his grandson, Mitch DeWayne Taylor; his parents, N.E. and Gertrude Taylor; and his three brothers and two sisters.

Online condolences may be sent to comanchefh@pldi.net