Thomas Horace Gudgel, Jr.

Thomas H. Gudgel, Jr. December 15, 1933 - March 29, 2025 Thomas H. Gudgel, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and esteemed member of the legal community, passed away on March 29, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on December 15, 1933, Tom grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he attended Will Rogers High School. A natural athlete, he excelled as the sophomore quarterback of the JV football team, a pitcher on the baseball team, and a dedicated wrestler. His leadership and determination on the field carried over into his academic and professional life. Tom continued his education at the University of Tulsa, earning his B.S.B.A. in 1958, followed by his Juris Doctorate in 1961. His distinguished legal career began as a Tulsa County Public Defender before he became an Assistant District Attorney. He later entered private practice as an expert litigator with the firms Gudgel, Scott & Winn and Gudgel, Scott & Associates. His expertise and dedication led him to serve as treasurer of the Tulsa County Bar Association, an adjunct professor at TU law school specializing in constitutional law, a State Industrial Court Judge and later as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. Beyond his legal career, Tom was a man of many passions. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, golf, and sail. He was also a hobbyist musician, playing the guitar and harmonica, an avid reader, and had a deep appreciation for poetry, including reading poetry to his children. His competitive spirit extended beyond the courtroom, as he excelled in competition target shooting. Tom also found joy in photography, riding motorcycles, showing Golden Retrievers, and traveling the world. However, his greatest happiness came from the time spent with his beloved family. Tom was married to the love of his life for over 70 years, Becky Ann (Castles) Gudgel, with whom he shared three sons and a lifetime of memories. He is survived by his wife, Becky, and their sons: Thomas H. Gudgel, III and his wife Lesley, Troy W. Gudgel and his wife Tracey, Trent A. Gudgel and his wife Dana, his loyal brother, John Gudgel, and seven nephews. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren and a cherished great-grandfather to ten great-grandchildren. Tom's strength, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family and friends will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the memories he created. A viewing will be held from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Monday, April 7th at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. A funeral service to celebrate his life is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 8th at First Methodist Church in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Family & Children's Services or Sprouts Child Development in his honor.