Thomas Lee "Tommy" Bross

After 86 years of devotion to his family and giving a hard time to those he loved, Thomas Lee "Tommy" Bross passed away peacefully at home on November 19, 2025. Tommy was born at his family's homestead on May 16, 1939 to Eugene Bross and Louise (Tontz) Bross of Guthrie, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of three children, beloved baby brother of Gloria (Bross) Young and Donald Bross. His parents and both his siblings preceded him in death.

Tom graduated from Guthrie High School in 1957, and after a brief courtship married Johnnie (Uselton) Bross on October 13, 1962-they were married 63 years. Tommy worked for Southwestern Bell, which later became AT&T, in the engineering department until his well earned retirement at 55 years old.

The outdoor life was where Tom was happiest. He loved the mountains and trekking through them on hunting trips with his sons, grandsons, and nephews. At home he cultivated his garden, worked his cattle, and took long golf cart rides through the pasture. Summer or winter, Tommy's favorite activity was sitting in his easy chair, cup of Folger's coffee at hand, keeping tabs on all the deer, turkeys, and coyotes that passed through the pasture. As the grandkids and great grandkids started to arrive, Tom became Grandpa, and delighted in spoiling the youngsters who were always coming in and out of the house. He greeted them with a gruff "shoulda locked the door", then a smile, and a trip to the snack bin for an oatmeal crème pie.

Tom's family adored him, and he is survived by his wife, Johnnie, their two sons and daughters in-law, Thomas Lee Bross Jr. (Tommy Lee), his wife Sandy (Betchan) Bross, and Franklin and Shari (Saxton) Bross. He is also survived by all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Sarah, Matthew, and Andrew Bross; Dr. Sam and Daisi (Bross) Owens and their sons Harris, Lee, and Johnny; Cody and Ashley Garrett and their sons Greyson and Callen; Jace and Candace (Garrett) Hamel and their children Piper, Penzly, and Jenix; Thomas Joe (TJ) Bross and his sons Bryson and Camdon Bross.

Tom was the quiet backbone of the family, showing up at events and games to support his sons, grandkids, and great-grandkids. In his own quiet, loyal way, he supported his family and loved them with a devotion that went beyond mere words. He served, teased, attended, and acted out his love in a language all his own, and his family never doubted his love for them. His sense of

humor colored his life and all of theirs, chuckling and rolling their eyes at some wisecrack or loving insult he threw the second you walked through the door. Tommy's life was an example of

humble, quiet devotion and self-sacrifice, spiced with mischief and a desire to keep things lighthearted even in the midst of pain and struggle. His honorable example touched us all, and we love and miss him greatly. As Tom passed away on the same hill where he was born, we are sure his soul was welcomed to the heavenly home he occasionally spoke of and longed for, where one day we will be with him again.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Community Church located at 512 East Seward Road in Guthrie. Interment will take place at Summit View Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at Community Church on Monday, November 24, 2025 with the family receiving guests between 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

The casket will be open prior to the service and will not be open at any other time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Community Church or the American Heart Association.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo.com.