Thomas Gus Ballas, Jr.

Thomas Gus Ballas Jr., of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 9, 2025 following a long illness. He was 58.

Tom is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Margaret, and sons Nick Ballas, Noah Ballas and Daniel Tunell. He is also survived by his father, Thomas Gus Ballas Sr., sisters Tiffany Mateas, Megan Ballas and Maureen Davis, as well as his nieces, Maggie and Maddie Davis, and nephews Max Davis and Ira Ballas; his uncle John Ballas, aunt Jeanne Ballas, and cousins Robbie, Jeff and Matt Ballas; his God Father Richard Allocca, and cousins Tony and Stacy Allocca; his God Mother Peg Kalinowski, and uncle Bob Kalinowski, along with his cousins Vicki and Frankie Kalinowski; not to mention all of his other extended family, and dear friends, near and wide, who will miss our Tommy.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ballas (nee O’Brien), who died in 2015 at the age of 74. In addition to other wonderful family members, including his grandparents, who wait to welcome him at Heaven's gate, to play catch, share a canolli, and pray for the world.

Mr. Ballas was born on March 13, 1967 in New Hyde Park, New York to a close-knit Greek and Irish family. The family relocated to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1975, where he remained until his death. He played football for Moore high school and graduated in 1985. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. Mr. Ballas worked for the postal service in Oklahoma City prior to a lengthy and distinguished career as a Mechanical Engineer at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, OK.

He was extremely devoted to his family and community, serving as a beloved Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 120 and a Little League coach for over a decade. He was a devout Catholic and a cherished member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Nichols Hills. Tom, along with a few close friends, established the Lost Sheep Apostolate to pray for those who have fallen away from the church.

An avid sportsman who loved hunting, fishing, camping and playing frisbee golf, Mr. Ballas will be remembered for his boisterous laugh, his sharp sense of humor, and most of all, his endless love for family, friends and his faith.

A public viewing and visitation will be held at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, on Sunday, October 12, from 4 – 6pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 14 at 10am at Christ the King Catholic Church, located at 8005 Dorset Dr.