Thomas Hale Stockton

Thomas ("Tom") Hale Stockton, 81, died Fri, June 27, 2025, at his home in Powderhorn, CO.
Tom was born March 23, 1944, to Leldon Lee Stockton and Mae Julia (Williams) Stockton Root in San Francisco, CA. He grew up on a cattle ranch in Nowata, OK, with siblings William ("Bill"), Patricia ("Pat"), Elizabeth ("Betty Ann"), and Mary. After graduating Nowata High School, Tom studied engineering at Oklahoma State University (Class of 1966).
Tom then joined the Coast and Geodetic Survey, laying the foundation for GPS technology while working around the world. On a flight from Washington, D.C., to Thule, Greenland, Tom met stewardess Margaret ("Peggy") Stockton, who cajoled him into joining a game of bridge--a moment that would turn into decades of games, friendly (and fierce) competition, and endless laughter. They were married on May 27, 1967, in Jenkintown, PA.
Tom and Peggy traveled extensively and lived in Argentina, American Samoa, and Senegal. In late 1967, Tom left the Survey at the rank of lieutenant. The couple then moved to Houston and later Katy, TX, to raise their three children. Tom's engineering career prospered, and his work offered him more opportunities around the globe, including in Abu Dhabi, where he lived with his family for a year. In 1993, Tom and Peggy started their own engineering firm, Stockton Engineering Services, which he sold upon his retirement in 2003.
Tom and Peggy designed their dream home in Gunnison County, CO, and Tom became an active member of the community there. He was well known for stepping in to help neighbors--and strangers--handle the rugged mountain landscape. He volunteered in Lake City, CO, by building boardwalks and tutoring local students, and he served as the Vice President of the Powderhorn Community Association. At home, Tom enjoyed woodworking, blacksmithing, fixing everything, working the land with his John Deere tractor, driving his vintage Sno-Cat, and--above all else--peace, quiet, and time with his family.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Peggy Stockton, and their children Matthew Hale Stockton and wife Michelle (Chaney) Stockton; Benjamin Ray Stockton and wife Katherine (Halliwill) Stockton; and Elizabeth Lynn Stockton; ten grandchildren: Ashley Stockton, Nicole (Stockton) Mamantov, Skylar Stockton, Finn Stockton, Summer Stockton, Thomas Stockton, II, Nolan Brown, Ian Brown, William Brown, and Ruth Brown; his brother, Bill and wife, Karen; his sisters, Pat (Stockton) Webb, Betty Ann (Stockton) Wattenberger, and Mary and husband, Michael Coate; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leldon and Mae; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and 2 brothers in law.
His life will be remembered at Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville, OK on Sat, July 12, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oncology/Cancer Center via St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, Grand Junction (https://intermountainhealthcare.org/give/st-marys-foundation).