Tom Bear, Jr., 80, when he passed away, graduated from Holdenville High School in 1950. He played football, lettering all four years and was an All-State player. He also played on the Army's Division Football Team (never losing a game) while also serving in the 45th Infantry Division. During his military career, Tom received several medals including the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf cluster for Valor. Tom attended Central State College, played football, and graduated in 1956. Tom was honorably discharged from the Army Reserves in 1961 as a Captain. Tom met Barbara Wahpepah while they worked for the Oklahoma City Police Department and married on Thanksgiving Day, 1961. He was a police officer on the department in the 50s and into the 60s. Tom received a Doctorate Degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1975, with a 4.0 grade point average. Tom worked with the Indian Health Service for 29 years, the last 9 of these years as a Hospital Administrator. Tom was ordained as a deacon in 1974 at Many Springs Baptist Church. He was licensed as a minister in 1977 at Ada First Indian. Tom was ordained as a Minister at Blue Baptist Church in Pontotoc County Oklahoma, November 1982. His last pastorship was at Many Springs Baptist Church, Holdenville. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Sue Wahpepah Bear, Ada; two daughters, Sue Ann Rollice and Tomi Lynn Garcia, four sons, Johnson "Bo" Bear, Buddy, Benny Bear, Muncy Bear and their families. Tom leaves a host of family members, friends, and his love. Wake will be held 7:00 PM Friday, September 14th, 2012 at Many Springs Baptist Church, Holdenville. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, September 15th, 2012 at Many Springs Baptist Church, Holdenville. Interment will follow at Many Springs Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Hudson Phillips Funeral Home.

Memorial notes: Link to his father allowed on 31 Oct 2018, per auto SAC. Link to his mother allowed per auto SAC on 5 Jan 2020.