Harold Thompson "Tom" Sears Jr.

1930 - 2018

H. T. "Tom" Sears, Jr., age 87 and lifelong resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at his home.
Tom was born on April 26, 1930 in Bartlesville. He was the son of Harold Thompson Sears, Sr. and Flora Mildred (Duffendack) Sears. He grew up and received his education in Bartlesville where he graduated high school. He furthered his education by attending the University of Colorado where he received his B.S. degree in mechanical engineering in 1952. After that, he obtained his Master's in business administration from Harvard University.
Tom joined Phillips Petroleum Company in 1954. During his years with Phillips, he held various managerial and executive positions. After managing a Phillips plastics commercial development project, he directed marketing for a partially-owned polypropylene venture. Later, he was promoted to director of corporate development and operational vice president of the company's fibers division. In 1978, he was promoted to vice president of the Phillips Rubber chemicals division and served in that capacity until becoming vice president of petrochemicals in July 1980. In that position, he directed the manufacture, sales and service of petrochemicals (olefins and cyclics; specialty chemicals; extractive chemicals; and fertilizer) at Phillips worldwide installations. One of the highlights of his career was when he received the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award of the University of Colorado, College of Engineering and Applied Science. Tom retired from Phillips Petroleum Company after 29 loyal years of service.
Tom was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church, Bartlesville. During and after his employment with Phillips, he was an active member of the Bartlesville community, including the Presbyterian Church, the Boy Scouts, United Way, civic foundations, the Chamber of Commerce and industry groups.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by many, many (some lifelong) friends who will miss him.
Services for Mr. Sears will be held on Thursday, May 3, at 2:00 PM, in the First Presbyterian Church, 505 S. Dewey Ave, Bartlesville. Arrangements were entrusted to the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.