Thomas M. Short

Thomas “Tom” Short II July 12, 1943 – September 22, 2025 Thomas “Tom” Short, 82, passed away on September 22, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on July 12, 1943, in Seminole, Oklahoma, to Mary Ann Short and Thomas McVey (Tom) Short, he lived a full and adventurous life fueled by curiosity, craftsmanship, and a spark of mischief. 

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Joy Short, his children, Molly Francis and Makk Short, his beloved granddaughter, Evelyn Francis, who lovingly knew him as “Papa” and his two loyal cats, Sis and Missy. He is also survived by his loving sister Mary and her husband Brian of Wimberley, Texas and his sister Cynthia and her husband of Wichita, Kansas. 

Tom attended Admiral Farragut Academy from 9th through 12th grade before studying at Oklahoma State University— where he cheered for the Pokes, though admittedly we will leave out his last words he spoke of the Cowboys. He then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as a Sergeant in the 308th Missile Maintenance Squadron, Titan II.

 After the Air Force, Tom returned to Oklahoma State where he earned a degree in Architecture. He spent 35 years at the Benham Group, where he gathered a lifetime’s worth of stories—and friendships—along the way. He was a mentor to many, whether at work, with Boy Scouts, or during his kids’ activities, always ready with advice, encouragement, or a well-timed joke. 

Outside of work, Tom pursued passions that were equal parts practical and eccentric. He loved woodworking, arrowhead hunting, and exploring abandoned lands in Oklahoma. Many of his happiest hunts were spent with his good friends Ron Reid, Dean Paxton, and Joy’s grandmother fondly known as Ma Garner. Together, they turned searching for ancient treasures into a family tradition.

 He also developed a legendary collection of vintage acoustic guitars—so legendary, in fact, that it straddled the fine line between “collection” and “hoard.” Though Joy frequently reminded him of this fact, Tom swore he was “about to list them all on eBay”… any day now.

 He and Joy were also estate sale regulars, always on the hunt for quirky vintage finds, from furniture with good bones to oddball treasures that made for great stories later.

 Another great passion was genealogy. Tom spent countless hours tracing family roots and piecing together history with his close friend Ron Reid. The two created a rich patchwork of stories that reminded Tom how deeply connected we all are. 

Tom will be remembered for his quick humor, bottomless curiosity, and the love he poured into his family, friends, and community. He leaves behind lessons, laughter, and more “treasures” than Joy probably knows what to do with. He will be greatly missed.