Thomas MacKenna

1939 - 2024

May 11, 1939 – Dec 28, 2024

Proud Tulsan and coaching legend, Thomas Floyd MacKenna passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born to the late Jeanette and Leon J. MacKenna on May 11, 1939, in East Orange, New Jersey. He was married for 49 years to Lynnette Mackenna. He will forever be remembered for his passion, grit, sense of humor, and devotion to his loved ones.

Thomas was a naturally gifted athlete, who bled Los Angeles Dodger and Tulsa Golden Hurricane blue. His passion for baseball grew when he won the Youth Award to throw the first pitch for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in his childhood. How fitting it was that he got to see the Dodgers win the World Series before his passing. After Leon was transferred to Tulsa for work, Thomas attended Central High School, where he lettered twice in basketball and baseball, along with his best friend Danny Porter. After graduating from Central in 1957, Thomas moved on to the University of Tulsa where he pitched for four years on the varsity baseball team on full scholarship. Following a brief stint in minor league baseball, Thomas launched his teaching and coaching career, beginning at Tulsa Memorial High School in 1966. Through 1991, Tom brought the Chargers' baseball program to an elite level, winning back-to-back state championships in 1980 and 1981. After leading Memorial to its 3rd championship in 1984, Thomas was recognized as the Tulsa Tribune All-City Coach of the Year. He also served Memorial as director of athletics and continued his coaching career until retirement in 1995. Thomas was inducted into the Tulsa Public School Hall of Fame in 2021. Tom mentored hundreds of athletes and they loved him just as much as he loved them. After his retirement, Thomas continued to keep the official stats on the University of Tulsa football and basketball teams that began when he was a student. He and his son, Patrick, never missed a game.

Above all else, Thomas valued his family and friendships. Taking his family on vacations and showing them the world was of great importance to him. His family and friends will be forever grateful for and cherish the memories made with him. Thomas also loved spoiling his and Lynnette's many dogs. There was never a time he did not have at least three in his home, many of whom will assuredly be meeting him at the pearly gates.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Jeanette and Leon J. MacKenna; Father and mother-in-law, Nolin and Manuel Domenech; Brother-in-law, Richard Rodgers. Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Lynnette MacKenna; Son, Patrick Brian MacKenna; Grandchildren, Elizabeth MacKenna Clements and her husband, Ben, Patrick Jr. (Mack) MacKenna, and Mary Katherine MacKenna; Sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Darrell Martin; Sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Indra Rodgers, Lisette and Brad Coston, Lisa and Tony Domenech, Jasmine Lammons; Many nephews and nieces who were so blessed to have him.

A celebration of life will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 5 at Five Oaks Lodge, 528 East 121st St S, Jenks, OK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Tulsa or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

www.fitzgeraldfuneralservice.com.