Tom Knisley

Tom Knisley, age 78, of Clinton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, in Oklahoma City. His life will be celebrated with Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, located at 500 S. 30th St. in Clinton. The service will be officiated by Reverend Bowman Vowell. 

Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation at the Kiesau Lee Funeral Home, 2500 W. Modelle Ave, Clinton, OK, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The family will greet guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening.

Born on May 25, 1946, in Crescent, Oklahoma, Tom was the son of Lewis and Velta (Beckner) Knisley. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Gambrell, on October 15, 1965, in Clinton. Tom served in the United States Army from 1966-1968, with the majority of his service time in Germany. He started working for the United Postal Service in Cordell, OK, eventually transferring to Clinton and retiring after 30 years.

Tom dedicated his life to being a farmer and rancher. He cherished his regular meetings with the “guys” at the County Line coffee shop.

Tom had a passion for exploring the beautiful mountains of Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. He enjoyed snow skiing, as well as spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid player of cards, board games, and dominos. He took pleasure in attending horse races at Remington Park. Additionally, Tom was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Shriners. He was also a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Evening Lions, Jaycees and was a Realtor for the National Association of Realtors.

He is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn; daughter, Deidre Swails, and her husband, Scott, of Edmond, OK; son, Kevin Knisley, and his wife, Toni, of Clinton, OK, second son, Lee Lowry and his wife Laura of Indianapolis, IN.; sister, Patty Foster, and her husband, Kerry, of Corinth, TX; and grandchildren, Dex Felch of Clinton, OK, Bo Felch and his wife, Haley, of West Palm Beach, FL. Tom is also remembered by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Special friends Renae Acosta and family, Mike and Sheri Smith and family, Courtney Goble and family, Caleb Smith and family, Caitlin Hamilton and family, Katie Williams and family, and Amy Barnett and family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Velta Knisley; sister, Bonnie Hardwick; and brothers, Fred Knisley and Danny Knisley; and special friends, John and Sandra McCauley, 

Burial will take place immediately following the service at North Burns Cemetery, located at 21346 E 1170 Rd, Foss, OK.

The Knisley family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions to be made to either Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 1965, Weatherford, OK 73096 or H.A.R.T. (Haven Animal Rescue Transport of OK.), PO Box 273, Clinton, OK 73601.

Services are under the direction of Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home, 2500 W. Modelle Ave, Clinton, OK 73601.