Thomas Edward Friday, 64 years old, of Broken Arrow, OK passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Baptist Integris Hospital in Oklahoma City from complications of heart surgery. Tom was born on May 15, 1953, in Florence Alabama; the son of Edward L. Friday and Frances Dowd Friday. He attended grade and high school in Florence. After Tom's parents passed away, he moved to Atlanta, GA to live with his first cousin, Chris Eckl, his wife Liz, and their five children. Tom graduated from St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Atlanta where he played football. After high school, Tom was employed by Owens Illinois Glass Company before he became a certified aircraft mechanic for American Airlines. During his employment for American Airlines, Tom acquired multiple certifications and licenses that were beneficial to him during his 32 years with the airline. His job enabled him to live in several locations before settling down in Broken Arrow, OK, 27 years ago.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Diane Hawkins Friday; sons, Matthew M. Friday, Seth M. Friday and Jessica; daughter, Courtney Friday Colwell and David; stepson, Chad McGregor; and grandchildren, Grace and Olivia Colwell and Nathan and Annie Friday; his adoptive mother, Liz Eckl, and her children who considered Tom as a brother; and his cousins, Wray Eckl, Ruth Anderson Horn, and Mary Jane Mayes who remember him as a wonderful, fun, and thoughtful man.

Tom grew up on Nellie Avenue in Florence Alabama, one house away from his aunt Patricia and uncle, Louis Eckl, the former editor of the Florence Times, and their children Kit, Wray, and Mary. Tom's beloved dog, Lurch, was known by all in the neighborhood.

Tom will be remembered by his family and friends for his kindness and patience. He will be greatly missed by all.

Visiting hours were held on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at Fitzgerald's Ivy Chapel in Tulsa, Ok. The funeral mass was celebrated at Holy Family Cathedral on Monday, November 6, 2017 and his burial service will be held at St. Michaels Cemetery in St. Florian, Alabama, Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at 1:00 p.m.  A small reception will follow. Friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital by mail, phone, or online.

FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL, 918-585-1151