Thomas F. Steely, age 74, of Murphy, Texas, passed away on April 15, 2014 in Plano, Texas. He was born October 9, 1939 to Simon Calvin and Millie Frances (Davis) Steely in Corbin, Kentucky. Thomas married Margie Sue Bryant on August 3, 1958 in Corbin, Kentucky. They were married for 55 years. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky and his masters in electrical engineering at the University of New Mexico. He worked at IBM as an electrical engineer for 30 years.
Tom was one of the oldest living heart transplant recipients. He received his second chance at life 25 years ago this August and always made the most of every day he had on this earth. He appreciated and loved life and family more than anyone could know. He always had a smile for you as he was telling you what a great day it was. He never complained about anything. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and always had some words of wisdom for them. He was presently serving as the president of his Home Owners Association, a job which he enjoyed very much.
He is survived by his loving wife Margie Steely of Murphy, Texas; two daughters, Ronda Steely Rehn and husband Larry of Murphy, Texas and Marla Steely Latvatalo and husband John of Carrollton, Texas; five grandchildren, John Warren and wife Ann Marie of Houston, Texas, Jessica Latvatalo of Addison, Texas, Joshua Thomas Latvatalo of Carrollton, Texas, Calvin Steely Rehn of Murphy, Texas and Cooper Alan Rehn of Murphy, Texas; brother, Simon Steely of Oregon; sister, Shirley Reitenour of Pennsylvania.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel in Allen, Texas. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas.