Thomas Lamar Colen

Thomas Lamar Colen was a believer in Christ, a devoted husband, dedicated father, and loving grandfather. He went on to eternal rest in the presence of the Lord on December 2, 2022 in Oklahoma City.

Thomas was born to Clarence Oliver Colen and Mary Ella Hanson on Nov. 15, 1960 in Magnolia, Arkansas. After graduating from Emerson High School, Thomas enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for 24 years at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, Edwards Air Force Base in California, Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, and Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, with much of his work focusing on the maintenance of B-52 bombers and the development of the B-2 stealth bomber. Upon his retirement from the military, Thomas remained in the aerospace and aeronautics industry, working first for ARINC, then for Northrop Grumman. He fully retired in 2022.

Thomas married Jennifer Dean Meadows on June 6, 1981. She was his best friend and life partner through all the ups and downs and unpredictability of the military, and she was a faithful caretaker for him through the end of his life. They have two children, Corey Michael Colen, born 1986, and Aaron Scott Colen, born 1988.

Thomas enjoyed photography, auto racing, and sports of all kinds. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved playing with them and making them laugh whenever he was around them. His humor and witty spirit never left him, even through the most difficult chapters of his health trials. He brought smiles and laughter to any room he was in. He was a man of reliability and selfless service, always putting the needs of others before his own.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his mother, Mary; two brothers, Wendell and Mike; one sister, Ye Juanda; two children, Corey (Theresa Braden) and Aaron (Ashley Renee Burleson); and three grandchildren, Sophia, Benjamin, and Noah.