Thomas Willis Brinkley

Tom Brinkley departed this life for a glorious life with his Savior and LORD, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in Tulsa, OK at OSU Medical Center surrounded by many loved ones.

Thomas Willis Brinkley, Jr. was born in Tulsa, OK on January 4, 1945 to Thomas Willis Brinkley, Sr. and Marjorie Faye Niekamp Brinkley. Three years later sister, Jan Thomas Brinkley completed their family. After graduating from Tulsa Central High School in 1963, Tom came to Northeastern State College on January 22, 1964 where he met his true love, Barbara Kilpatrick, on his very first day. The rest, as they say, is history. While completing a degree in mathematics and physics he gained employment working on the new dormitories on the campus. Who knew that would change the trajectory of his career. After graduating and spending a year teaching math at Broken Arrow High School, he worked with Richard Haddock building homes from sketches off the back of an envelope or on a napkin. With a few years of experience, he was given the opportunity to build a home in Pumpkin Hollow for Big Harry Chichester, who was a patient helper all along the way. This perhaps helped solidify Tom's desire to help others grow. This gracious family made us part of their family which holds to this day. From there Tom developed his craft into a wonderful custom home building career that spanned five decades.

For many years, his son, Scott Brinkley, has work diligently along side his dad to serve as his right-hand man. There are many homes around this area that are a testament to their skill and love of creating a home for clients. Perhaps his son, Josh Brinkley, said it best when he wrote that Tom was our family's hero, a real-life comedian, teacher of a multitude of skills, and master of the quick joke. He fought a long and courageous battle with everything he had and made sure everyone near him knew how much they were loved.

Tom was a tough task master, whose work ethic was "Do what you are supposed to do!" Whether with his children and home, co-workers, or the businesses with and through which he worked, Tom always had a compassionate heart and good humor. If he could ask a question or make a statement that would throw you a curve or catch you off guard, THAT made his day! With a glint in his eye, a questioned smirk, and finally a big smile . . . He knew he had you! Those of you who know . . . know. This is why Tom thought it would be appropriate to conclude his Celebration of Life with a "Roast", so we invite you to adjourn to the café for a bite and chance to hear and share some of your favorite "Tom Gotcha Moments".

Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Kilpatrick Brinkley of the home, sons, Josh Brinkley of Miami, Oklahoma; Scott Brinkley and wife Holly Jacob-Brinkley of Tahlequah, OK; grandchildren Kash and Hunter Brinkley, and Johnny Brinkley; Kai and Eastyn Brinkley; and Robyn, Hanah, Zander, and Zoey Jacob; as well as great grandsons Stone Brinkley and Kato Jacob.

Tom also leaves behind his sister, Jan Brinkley Filtz of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother-in-law Norman Filtz of Stillwater, Oklahoma; niece Dana Rackley and husband, Grant of Van Buren, Arkansas.