Tommy C. Steidley

In loving memory and life treasures of Thomas Chiece Steidley, born November 18, 1941 in the Blue Creek area of Rogers County to Cal and Madeline Steidley. His life passion was a strong daily work ethic, a love for his family, an eye for a good horse and nice cattle. Tommy spent his younger years growing up in the hills of Blue Creek near the Foyil, OK area. He kept busy at a fast pace enjoying riding and breaking horses as a young boy. Continuing his passion of breaking and training horses in the round pen, riding pastures, gathering cows, and even a long county mile or two jog down the back roads of Blue Creek/Oowala areas. He attended Elementary School at Oowala School in the Oowala community and continuing his education at Foyil High School graduating in 1959. Tommy was very proud of his Cherokee Heritage as well as his membership at the Cowboy Gatherin’ Church in Inola, Ok.
Tommy spent his life as a Rogers County resident, working on local and area ranches in his younger adult life. He continued his career choices at the Peabody, Lone Star, and McGuire Coal Company's in and near Chelsea, Oklahoma. Following his coal mining days Tommy was employed by the Pryor Foundary in Pryor, Oklahoma as a chipper/grinder operator. The last thirteen years he spent time in and around the horses and barn stalls employed at Will Rogers Downs as the Lead Racing Maintenance. He continued to follow his passion of being on horseback by spending 21 years working on the A-Bar Ranch while making great lifelong friends.
When Tommy was not working he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids attending livestock shows, team ropings, rodeos, basketball games, family holidays, milestone celebrations such as graduations and good life visits offering words of wisdom he acquired from his Ol' Friend Herb McSpadden.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years Billie Steidley of the home, Brother and Sister-in-law- Kenny and Marilyn Steidley of Foyil, OK, Daughters Kelley and husband Corey Bridgeman of Chelsea, OK, Sammy and husband Wade Leonard of Chelsea, OK, Jacque and husband Phillip Bronson of Chelsea, OK, and Tami and Leon Stipes of Salina. Ten grandchildren Guess Leonard and Fiance' Chelsea Allen, Cassidy Bronson, Cade Leonard, Cash Bronson, Cylie Bronson, Carson Bridgeman, Kambrie Bridgeman, Tyler and Cody Brown and one great grandson Trooper Brown. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends in life.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents Cal and Madeline Steidley, son Tommy Trent Steidley, brother Lloyd Steidley, and great friend and mentor of many years Mike Armitage.
Visitation will be held at MMS - Payne Funeral Home in Claremore, Oklahoma, Thursday, May 21st from 1:00pm to 8:00pm. A Graveside Service will be held at Wards Grove Cemetery on Friday, May 22nd at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers family has asked donations to be made to the Memo Compassionate Care Fund at the Cowboy Gatherin’ Church PO Box 563 Pryor, Ok  74362