Tommy Gene "Tom" Rose

Tommy Gene “Tom” Rose, age 86, of Coweta, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 4, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Tom was born on December 17, 1939, in Stigler, Oklahoma, to Everett Isaac Rose and Lillian Aleta (Howard) Rose. He was raised in Stigler, where he attended Stigler Schools and graduated from Stigler High School in 1957.

At a young age, Tom developed a strong work ethic and a love for horses. As a boy, he spent time breaking horses for a neighbor, an experience that helped shape the hardworking and determined man he would become. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a kind heart that drew people to him throughout his life.

Tom began his working career at Ajax in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he worked on a punch press. He later found the profession that would define much of his life when he joined Greyhound. Tom worked as a bus driver for Greyhound for 25 years, retiring in 1981. He genuinely loved the people he met through his work and often said that many of his lifelong friendships came from his years with Greyhound. During slower periods with the company, he also drove an eighteen-wheeler to help provide for his family.

On December 24, 1958, Tom married the love of his life, Betty Sue (Barnes) Rose, in Keota, Oklahoma. Together they built a beautiful life and shared more than 67 years of marriage filled with faith, family, and treasured memories.

Faith was the foundation of Tom’s life. Through the years he worshipped at Clarksville Free Will Baptist Church, where he formed lifelong friendships with Terry and Sharon Reed, Charley and Connie Levi, and Jack and Joyce Gibson. He later attended Porter Free Will Baptist Church, where he and Betty met some of their dearest friends, Bobby and Jackie Jenkins. In later years, Tom became a faithful member of The Way Church of Jesus the Nazarene in Coweta.

One of Tom’s greatest joys was hosting weekly Bible studies in his home. Every Wednesday, Pastor Steven Lester would come to the Rose home to lead what became affectionately known as “Bible Study at the Rose Garden.” Tom looked forward to those gatherings and treasured the fellowship, friendship, and study of God’s Word. When Pastor Steven retired, he was especially proud to see his grandson-in-law, Jeremy step into the role of pastor.

Music was another great passion in Tom’s life. He played guitar and sang whenever he had the opportunity, whether at school events, community gatherings, or church functions. His love of music eventually took him to Nashville, where he recorded music around 1980. In his later years, one of his greatest joys was singing gospel songs with his family at church singings.

Tom enjoyed spending time outdoors and loved fishing, pheasant hunting, deer hunting, quail hunting, and camping. He especially loved horses and never lost his appreciation for them. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who rarely missed an opportunity to attend a sporting event, school activity, or special occasion involving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was the center of his life, and he never missed a chance to cheer on those he loved.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Sue Rose of the home in Coweta, Oklahoma; daughters, Karla Bibb and husband Floyd of Coweta, Oklahoma, and Malinda Rose of Coweta, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Jana Nipps and husband Colt, Steven Bibb and wife Allyson, and Laura Poplin and husband Jeremy; fifteen great-grandchildren, Noah Nipps, Landyn Bibb, Nathan Nipps, Emalyn Poplin, Natily Nipps, Alyvia Bibb, Isaac Poplin, Nicolas Nipps, Lawsyn Bibb, Elijah Poplin, Joseph Nipps, Joy Nipps, Michael Poplin, Tucker Poplin, and Molly Rose; a special cousin, Freeda Landress and husband Bill; a very special nephew and caretaker, Lukes Smith; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Isaac “Ike” Rose and Lillian Aleta Rose.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Brown’s Funeral Service in Coweta, Oklahoma. Services celebrating Tom’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 8, 2026, at The Way of Jesus the Nazarene Church, 27689 E. 111th Street South, Coweta, Oklahoma, with Pastor Steven Lester officiating. Additional remarks and special memories will be shared by Pastor Luke Tramel and Steven Bibb. Interment will follow at 2:00 PM at Garland Cemetery in Stigler, Oklahoma.

Family and friends are invited to share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. Tom’s family entrusted his care and services to Brown’s Funeral & Cremation Service, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, Oklahoma 74429, 918-486-5515.