Thomas Oldfield Sr.

1924 - 2014

WEST LIBERTY - Thomas "Tommie" Alden Oldfield, Sr., age 90, of White Oak, KY, widower of Lillian Howard Oldfield, entered eternal rest on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at the St. Claire Regional Medical Center, Morehead, KY, following a brief illness. Tommie was born on June 27, 1924 at Mize, KY, a son of the late John Andrew, Jr. and Cliffie May Oldfield. Besides his parents, Tommie was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Lillian, and daughter, Patricia Clay Old-field; one brother, Glen Oldfield; four sisters, Hazel Oldfield Haney, Blanche Old-field Fugate, Irene Oldfield Murphy, and Lurlene Small-wood. He was of the Christian faith, and a member of the White Oak Christian Church. Growing up, Tommie worked on his family's farm and general store, and developed his love for farming. Tommie was a graduate of Ezel High School, and it was there he garnered his lifetime love of basketball. One of his fondest memories was recalling the friendly but traditional basketball rivalry between Ezel and Morgan County High School, and loved sharing those memories with former teammates. Following graduation, Tommie attended the University of Kentucky, where he was in pre-med studies; however, his career plans were forever changed when his love of country prompted him to volunteer for the United States Army in 1943. He and Lillian had married just five days before he was shipped out. Tommie attained the rank of corporal, serving in campaigns in both France and Germany with the Second Battalion of the Second Field Artillery Unit. He was active in the historic Battle of the Bulge, and was the recipient of several citations and honors, including three bronze stars. Tommie was discharged on New Year's Eve, 1945. After coming home, Tommie and Lillian returned to the duties of domestic life, rearing a large family and running their award-winning family farm, where they raised livestock and a variety of produce. Tommie worked closely with the University of Kentucky Agriculture Extension Service programs, implementing what he learned into the farming operations, including the introduction of sheep farming to the area. Tommie and Lillian were also partners in a number of other business ventures to support their growing family, operating a mobile home sales agency and the Oldfield Mobile Home Park at White Oak. Tommie loved spending time with Lillian and their family at the farmhouse, which was the site of many loving dinners, birth-days and celebrations. Tommie was devastated when Lillian passed away in January of this year, leaving a void in his life. He found great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often entertaining them with stories from his many life experiences. While his final years had been less active, Tommie enjoyed a rewarding, full life with his family, and was richly blessed to have many friends, one of the last of The Greatest Generation. Left to mourn his passing are his two sons, Tommie, Jr. and John Andrew (Ashley) Oldfield III, both of White Oak; three daughters, Brenda Sue Oldfield (Ralph) Senninger of Lexington, Pamela Oldfield (James Robert) Meade of White Oak, and Carolyn Oldfield, of Georgetown. Tommie is also survived by eight grandchildren: Teresa (William) Wilson, Thomas (Susan) Old-field, Cathi (James) Walters, Celia (Joe) Barker, Jeff (Susan) Oldfield, Caleb Demus, Lillian Demus, and John Andrew Oldfield IV; eleven great-grandchildren; his loving brother, Frank Oldfield; his devoted caregiver, Virginia Patrick, and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Tommie was a loving husband, father, brother and good friend, and will be sorely missed. Funeral services for Tommie A. Oldfield will be held on Friday, December 19, 2014 at the White Oak Christian Church, White Oak, KY, at 1pm, with Rev. Jim Price officiating. Military rites will be given by the D.A.V. Chapter #132. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2014, 6 - 9pm at Herald Stewart & Halsey Funeral Home, West Liberty, KY. Interment will be at the Howard-Oldfield Cemetery, White Oak. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to D.A.V. Chapter #132, c/o Mr. Shorty Terry, 2420 Liberty Road, West Liberty, KY 41472 or to the White Oak Christian Church, 8288 Hwy. 460 East, West Liberty, KY 41472, or to the charity of one's choice. Active pallbearers: Alan Scott Oldfield, Thomas Oldfield, Jeff Oldfield, Jacob Barker, Travis Walter, Luke Wilson, Caleb Demus, and Glenn Heston Lacy. Honorary pall-bearers: Jack Cline, Eugene Craft, Samuel Barker, Alden Oldfield, Andrew Oldfield, and Jefferson Oldfield.