Thomas Edmond Teague

September 13, 1944 - June 13, 2021

Thomas Edmond Teague was born September 13, 1944 in Tahlequah, OK to Roy and Oma Casady Teague. Tom is survived by his wife Gail of 58 years and two sons Rob and wife Ronda and Bret and wife Stephanie, all of Tahlequah; a brother, Bob Teague and wife Opal and a sister, Ginger Collins, all of Tahlequah. He is survived by six grandsons and 5 great grandchildren. He leaves behind his best friend, Sonny Self and a partner in crime, Rosemary Self. Tommy enjoyed a happy childhood on the family farm, especially when little sister, Ginger came along two years later. Tommy and Ginger were inseparable pals. During Tom’s early years a typical weekend would be a big get together at Roy and Oma’s with all the Casady and Teague Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins for a big feast, usually under the big Sycamore tree. There were lots of good times in those carefree days. Tom learned to enjoy hard work early in life by watching and learning from his Dad. There was nothing Tom couldn’t build or fix. He started earning his own money when he was 15 years old. Tom was an artist at leather work, and he worked late every night after school in his room, making belts, purses, and wallets to sell in Sol’s Saddle Shop. Then at age 16 he met a little girl in class named Gail Elkins and fell completely in love. They were married on May 3rd 1962 in Stilwell, OK. That summer he worked days with his brother Bob in construction and nights were spent building their first home in Tahlequah, OK. In 1973 he started his own business, Teague Heating and Electric, in the Woodall Community. Five years later the business was moved to Tahlequah when he bought the old Galey Hargis building on the corner of Muskogee and Shawnee Streets. For 46 years, Tom ran a business that was based on honesty and commitment. His own sons, grandsons, and numerous other young men learned the trade and many life’s lessons in “Tom’s Shop” over the years. When asked what his legacy would be Tom simply said, “Quitting was beneath him.” Tom was a man that anybody would be proud to call “friend”. He was a man of integrity, honesty, and compassion. His sincerity, purity, nobility, and love for his family was what made each day special and unique. “Love gives purpose and meaning to life.” Jeremiah 30:17