Thomas Ray Bullen

On Saturday, January the 19th, Thomas Ray Bullen, at the age of 79, made the journey to his heavenly home after a valiant battle with lung cancer and COPD. Tom’s parents, William Worthington and Marybelle Bullen Worthington welcomed their son on December the 7th, 1939 in Delaware, Oklahoma. Marybelle died when Tom was young, so her parents John Sampson Bullen and Gussie McCoy Bullen raised Tom and secured his place in their hearts by formally adopting their young grandson. His education started out in the Dewey Public Schools and later he went on to College High and was a member of the graduating class of 1959. Tom had a love for his country and decided in December of 1959 to enlist in the Army. He saw a tour of Vietnam from 1964 to 1965 and did his part as an aircraft mechanic. His honors included an ACFT Crewman Badge, AFEM Marksman (Rifle) and a Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star. His rank was an E-6 Staff Sargent. Tom reenlisted in July of 1962 for a period of six years. He was discharged in July of 1968. Tom joined Reda Pump as a machinist in 1972. After the company started downsizing, Tom decided it was time to retire and did so in 1986. He later had various other jobs where his skills and talents were put to good use. Tom fell in love and married Sharon Lynn Engelbert on November the 18th, 1961. They welcomed to their family two sons, Michael David Bullen and Christopher Thomas Bullen. After enjoying living in many places while in the Army, Tom and Sharon decided to come back home and settle in Bartlesville. Later in life, Tom was blessed again and married Catherine Zane Jones on November the 15th, 2008 and they enjoyed ten wonderful years together. Tom was an active member of the Oak Park United Methodist Church. He had a love of all things green and was active in the upkeep of the flower beds of the church, gardening and bird watching and was a grill master. One of his favorite hobbies was wood working. He had five beloved pets that were a great source of joy in his life. He enjoyed taking Theodora and Abby for walks and rides in the truck. He was preceded in death by his mother, his grandparents and his wife, Sharon. Tom is survived by his wife Catherine of the home, his sons Michael and his wife Stephanie of Claremore and his other son Chris and his wife Vicki of Dewey; Tom’s grandchildren: Aaron, Jacob and his wife Cinthia of Colorado, Joseph and Katelyn. Tom was also a great grandfather to Aaron’s daughter, Carsyn. Close family friends Pete and Kay Hyde of Florida and their children, Matthew Hyde and Kelli Hyde Keniston. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to the Washington County SPCA.

Thomas Ray Bullen

December 7, 1939 - January 19, 2019