Thomas Gene Wyckoff

Thomas Gene Wyckoff (76) died Sunday, October 29, 2023. Tom was born to Gene and Betty Wyckoff on May 27, 1947, in Enid, Oklahoma. The son of a Soldier, Tom grew up around the world, in Libya, Germany, and all over the United States. He graduated from Putman City High School in Oklahoma in 1965 and from Oklahoma State University in 1971 with a Master's degree in Political Science. At OSU, Tom met Drucelle Coffelt, and on August 15, 1970, they married and began an adventure that would span 53 years. Tom entered the United States Army as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in June 1971. For his first 10 years, Tom spent most of his time at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, as an "Arctic Warrior." In 1980, he attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, where he became fluent in Russian. Between 1982 and 1986, Tom served his country at the United States Military Liaison Mission in Potsdam, East Germany. During his next assignment, he served at the Defense Intelligence Agency under General Colin Powell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and wrote sections of the United States/Soviet Union Nuclear Arms Disarmament Treaty; Tom was also team leader on units sent to the Soviet Union to ensure compliance. He was highly regarded by members of both the United States and the Soviet Union military forces. Tom retired from the Army in 1993 after 22 years of service. He accepted a position with Technology Management which allowed him to travel extensively throughout Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Russia. In his personal life, Tom was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, skiing, shooting, football, and baseball. He was an enthusiastic traveler, a marvelous photographer, and a gun collector. Tom appreciated music and was an exhaustive reader and creative writer; he authored two books, one of fiction, one non-fiction, and he was diligent student of the Bible. Tom loved Christmas, model trains, German Schnauzers, cars, trucks, The Magnificant Seven ...and mostly, Drucelle. Tom was deeply devoted to his Savior, Jesus Christ. The strength he drew from his faith enabled him to courageously, and without self-pity, face the disease that would ultimately take his life. Tom was assisted in this effort by the unstinting energy and endeavors of his personal care provider Ricky, his speech therapist Kelly, and his never-wavering Drucelle. He was proud of his country and of those who serve her. He was proud of his 5 nephews and his niece, and all his grand nephews and grand nieces. Tom leaves behind his beloved wife Drucelle, his dog Sasha, his brothers, Michael R. Wyckoff and wife Anne of El Reno, Oklahoma, Bruce D. Wyckoff and wife Barbara of Oklahoma City, his brother-in-law Michael D Coffelt and wife Terrye of Oklahoma City, and a host of others who loved him dearly. And he leaves a very special thanks to Ricky, and to Kelly...
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, or the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter.

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