Thomas “Tom” Joe Gambel was born on October 7, 1937, in El Reno, Oklahoma, to James and Edith (Haas) Gambel. He passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in El Reno at the age of 88.  Tom grew up in the Calumet area and graduated from Calumet High School. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard. On September 3, 1963, Tom married Mary Lou Griggs in El Reno, Oklahoma. He spent many years serving his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Calumet Volunteer Fire Department. Throughout his life, Tom worked in several fields — including for the Town of Calumet, driving trucks for various companies, carpentry, and farming. 

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, one son, Bryan Gambel, and wife Lois of Calumet; two grandsons, Lane Gambeland wife Taelyn of Coweta, Oklahoma, and Barron Gambel and wife Shelby of Okarche, Oklahoma; and three great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Edith Gambel; one son, Steven J. Gambel; and one brother, Jim Gambel.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Calumet volunteer fire department, PO Box 268, Calumet, OK 73014. 

Graveside service: 2PM, Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Calumet Cemetery, Calumet, OK

Officiating: Rev. Tony Moore services entrusted to the Turner Funeral Homes, Hinton, OK condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or on Facebook at facebook.com/TurnerFuneralHomes.

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