Tom Idleman

Tom Idleman, age 101 of Purcell, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Purcell Municipal Hospital. Tom was born February 5, 1916, on a farm west of Wayne, OK near the Bryant Community. Tom was the 3rd of 11 children born to Lester Ray Idleman and Carrie Mae (Hawkins) Idleman. Tom grew up a farm boy and learned how to work hard picking cotton and cutting broomcorn. In his early years of school he attended Bryant School, and later attended Wayne High School where he graduated with the class of 1936. Tom married the love of his life and best friend, Alura M. Idleman on December 2, 1939. They were married at the Purcell First Baptist Church Parsonage. In 1958, they bought a farm east of Wayne and there they together raised three children, Cherrie, Jan and Tommy. In his early years of farming, Tom planted acres and acres of broomcorn, while Alura cooked and fed the Broomcorn Johnnies. Years later Tom farmed cotton, corn, peanuts, wheat, alfalfa and raised cattle. Tom and his family lived off the land, raising a garden, orchards and farm animals for meat. Tom farmed for 42 years before retiring and moving to Purcell. While living in Wayne, Tom served 20 years on the Wayne School Board and was a member of the Oklahoma Cattleman Assoc. He was a faithful Christian, a member of the Purcell First Baptist Church since 1941, and the oldest deacon. For many years Tom and Alura enjoyed playing golf together. He loved watching sports, especially Oklahoma Sooners, the OKC Thunder and the Dallas Cowboys. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a special brother, a wonderful uncle, and a dear friend to many. He was preceded in death by: Parents, Les and Carrie Mae Idleman Wife of 76 years, Alura Idleman in 2016, 3 Sisters, Mattie Belle Mullins, Marie Crabtree and Lena Vaughn, 5 Brothers, Albert, Frank, Rudy, Loyd and Ray Idleman, He is survived by: One Son, Tommy Idleman and wife Susan of Fort Worth, Two Daughters, Cherrie Karn of Edmond, Jan Wilson of Lindsay; One Brother, Ted Idleman and wife Jo of Wayne, One Sister, Fannie Lou Green of Purcell, 7 grandchildren, Kip Karn and wife Dr. Anne Karn of Wagoner, OK, Sean Karn and wife Heather of Yukon, OK, Gavin Wilson and wife DeeDee of Lindsay, Todd Wilson and wife Lesley of Lindsay, Chase Idleman and wife Marie of Austin, TX, Ian Idleman of Houston, Erin Idleman of Ft. Worth; 8 great grandchildren, Kenzy, Kamryn and Kale Karn; Taylor and Blaine Brooks; Bailey, Londyn, Cody and Jett Wilson; 2 great great grandchildren, Brewer and Brett Brooks many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Purcell. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell

Tom Idleman

February 5, 1916 - May 11, 2017