Thomas Aldon Hillsberry

Thomas Aldon Hillsberry, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2022 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was 96 years old. Thomas was born on Friday, July 17, 1925 in Woodland, Washington. He grew up and attended school in Astoria, Oregon. Following high school, Thomas proudly served his country by joining the Army Transport Service, the Merchant Marines and then the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged from service in 1954. While in the service, Thomas served on the attack transports USS Fremont and USS Renville. While in the US Navy, he served during the Korean War aboard the attack transport USS Lenawee in support of the troops in Korea. He served in the waters near China and Hong Kong. While serving he received the Korean Service Medal, two Bronze Stars and a China Service Medal. Following his time in the service, Thomas worked as a logger, owned his own commercial fishing boat and worked for General Motors in Los Angeles. Thomas worked for many years for General Motors and relocated to Oklahoma City following the closure of the plant in Los Angeles. He retired from GM in 1996. Thomas had two great passions in his life, fishing and his grandchildren. Many people throughout his lifetime affectionately referred to Thomas as "Grandpa." He was the ultimate outdoorsman. He loved to be on the go and was always active. Everywhere he went, he had at least one favorite fishing spot and enjoyed sharing those spots with his friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents: John Harmon Hillsberry and Ellen Dunn Hillsberry Falconer; wife, Gertrude Jean Hillsberry; wife, Agnes Pauline Hillsberry; three children, Nancy Faye Taylor, Ron Tyra and Velma (Bobbie) Tyra; great-grandson, Thomas Holdridge; one great great-grandchild, Arius Coscia; ten siblings, John "Jack" Hillsberry, Nevada Hillsberry, Tillie (Matilda) Derrick-Groat, Margaret Mull, Darmond Hillsberry, Lee Hillsberry, Jess Hillsberry, Robert Falconer, Donald Falconer and Earl Falconer. He is survived by are grandchildren, Bill Stafford, Ron Stafford, Victor Stafford, Regina Liddle, Nickie Tyra, Vicky Tyra, Zachary Tyra and Donna Tyra,; Great-Grandchildren: Ashley Stafford, Andrew Stafford, Brittany Stafford, Kieth Franco, Hunter Stafford, Tiffany Coscia, Tyler Holdridge, Tori Holdridge, and Gage Tyra; great great-grandchildren, Hayden Paim, Kayson Dion, Trevor Holdridge, Talyn Elam, Tristyn Coscia, aidyn Coscia, Azrael Coscia, Avacyn Coscia, Camilla Holdridge, Riot Holdridge, Ruston Holdridge, Major Holdridge, Jessika, Priscilla and Billy Stafford. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.