Thomas Everett Kanaly, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully March 1st. He was born December 25, 1928 in Oklahoma City, first born son of the late Thomas Everett and Winifred Lucille Kanaly. He is survived by his wife, Donna Marie Kanaly, sister Barbara Jean McCamant her husband Hal; brother, Jack Kanaly and his wife LuAnn. His sister, Mary Kathrine Kruger, preceded him in death.
Tom attended Classen High School. At 17, he joined the Navy from 1946 – 1947. He was assigned to the supply ship "Bowditch". He joked about enlisting to get out of the family grocery business only to be assigned to the ship's store.
After his service, he returned to the family business, Kanaly's Grocery in Oklahoma City. He owned and operated the store until closing in 1970. He worked for Schwab's Meat Company until retiring in 1998.
Tom married Donna Marie Blakesley on November 28, 1953, remaining devoted to her for over 57 years. She was the love of his life. He cared for her in these past years as she suffers from Alzheimer's disease.
Tom is survived by five children; daughter Kassie Webster and her husband, Mike; son Mike Kanaly and his wife, Pam; son Tom Kanaly, III, and his wife, Sherri; son Pat Kanaly and his wife, Lise; daughter Stacie Aschwege and her husband, Allen. Sixteen grandchildren: Kris Kanaly; Tripp Kenworthy, and his wife, Kate; Julie Webster, Lindsey Kanaly; Lauren Ascroft, and her husband, Sean; Sara Webster, Shelby Kanaly; Kylie Kenworthy; Sean, Ryan and Claire Kanaly; Colton Kanaly; Nathan, Dillon, Avery and Amelia Aschwege, four great-grandchildren; Khairee Kanaly, Fiona Kanaly, Kassidy and Olivia Kenworthy.
He was the family Patriarch. Relished for his family gatherings he was loved and cherished for his jovial infectious laugh and his unconditional love. Tom was a quiet, sentimental man who never met a stranger. He was a devout Catholic, a member of St. John Catholic Church, Edmond, OK. He will be missed by many and forever in our hearts.
The family would like to thank the physicians and staff of the CICU and Palliative Care units at VA hospital for the excellent care, respect and tenderness Tom received during the end of his life journey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association of Oklahoma or Time Out at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church Edmond OK. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon today at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond, OK. A family entombment will follow later today.
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