Tommy Ray Sylvester

Tommy Ray Sylvester, 83, of Mulhall, Oklahoma, was born on May 16, 1942, to Cleo "Tom" Nelson and Edna Elmina Sylvester in Coyle, Oklahoma. He had several siblings: Geneva Marie, Henry Elroy, Patsy Charlene, Leo Wayne, and Jerry Dale. Tommy passed away Friday, January 23, 2026 in Mulhall.

Tommy graduated from Mulhall Public Schools in 1961. Shortly after graduation, he worked at OTASCO in Stillwater and then transitioned into landscaping at Oklahoma State University. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963, Tommy served in Vietnam. It was there he contracted malaria and was sent to Tripler General Hospital in Hawaii for recovery. While recuperating, he began corresponding with Kay Lowrie, encouraged by his little sister, Patsy. Their friendship deepened throughout his recovery and continued following his hospital discharge on December 11, 1965.

After completing his military service, Tommy transitioned to civilian life and sustained his relationship with Ms. Lowrie. He was briefly employed by the state highway department before beginning a career spanning more than three decades at Tinker Air Force Base, from which he retired in 2003. In retirement, Tommy continued to contribute to the Mulhall community by reading water meters and successfully passing the waterworks operation test, allowing him to work on the town's water system and demonstrating his strong dedication to public service.

Tommy married Kay Lowrie on October 6, 1967, at the United Methodist Church in Mulhall. Together, they welcomed three daughters: Stephanie Kay (August 1969), Stacey Rena (September 1971), and Shanon Rae (November 1975).

As a father, Tommy took an active role in his daughters' lives, coaching their softball teams, supporting their activities, gardening, maintaining the yard, and joining in sports with his children. He also umpired many softball games-his low and outside strike zone was well-known, sometimes leading to lively debates between him and his daughter, Stacey.

In later years, Tommy cherished time with his grandchildren, enjoying sports and attending their events. He was especially proud of his grandsons' wrestling successes, always offering warm hugs and sincere congratulations.

Tommy became a great-grandfather in 2016 with the birth of John Hudson, followed by Henley Joanne in 2021 and Harper Elizabeth in 2023.

A devoted member of Vassar Church, Tommy served as an elder and valued church life. He participated in church gatherings, particularly enjoying fish fries and church dinners. Following Kay's back surgery, he even learned to make her famous banana and carrot cakes.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents as well as his siblings, Geneva Coffman and Elroy Sylvester.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kay Sylvester of Mulhall; daughters, Stephanie and Jeff Bray of Yukon, Oklahoma, Stacey Betchan of Perry, Oklahoma, and Shanon and Carey Nicholas of Stillwater, Oklahoma. His legacy includes grandchildren, Tanner Bowden, Victoria (and husband Devin Winn), Riley Betchan, Paige Bowden, Cale Betchan, Clay Bowden, Parker Nicholas, and Cade Nicholas, as well as great-grandchildren, Hudson Pace, Henley Winn, and Harper Winn.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Vassar Church located at 19818 West 56th Street in Mulhall. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Mulhall. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.

Viewing for friends will be Wednesday, 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.

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