GTOA Member Information

Darrin Carpenter (posted 2/2/2012)

Darrin recieved a kidney transplant during the week of January 30, 2012. His wife was tested and was able to provide a match for Darrin. Matching is sometimes a very difficult process. However, this positive match allowed Darrin to move forward with treatment immediately. The GTOA wishes only the best for Darrin while he recovers!

The Passing of Bob Titsworth's Daughter (posted 2/2/2012)

Bob's daughter was killed in a auto accident in January 2012, she was 25 years old. This was a tragic transition for the family and our thoughts and prayers continue for Bob.

Jeff Kusler (posted 4/19/2011)

Jeff was attending his daughter's cheer competition in Kansas City when he experienced a mild heart attack. He had a 90% blockage in his left artery and a stint was put in place to repair the issue. He was released two days later and will begin to work on recovery and improved health for the future.

The Passing of Bobby Kelley's Sister (posted 4/19/2011)

Bobby's sister passed away unexpectedly in April. She was 43 and left behind a husband and 3 young children. The GTOA provided a floral arrangement for the funeral services. This was a very tough time for Bobby and his family and the GTOA continues to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

A Special Thank You From Wanda Thomas (posted 8/20/2010)

"I apologize for taking so long to say these words to all of you who cared and checked on Don and remembered to pray for him and for me.

When I stepped into the chapel and saw so many striped shirts, my heart overflowed with gratitude for each one of you who honored Don so visibly, so overwhelmingly, by coming as officials, as well as dear friends.  You reminded me how proud I have always been to be an official's wife.   Some groups of people are just a cut above the rest of us, and I know that officials are at the top of the list.  You sacrifice precious time from home in order to make the world a better place because you were at your assigned duties.  I count myself luckiest of women to have known so many truly outstanding men.   

Thank you for your calls, visits, cards, flowers, funny stories, encouragement, offers of help, and your prayers.  Don and I knew that many, many prayers were sent to God's presence from family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and church groups literally from all across this great nation.   How else did he survive over 16 years of this silent disease?  It's hard for me to believe that someone so vital and who loved life so much is really gone.   But many of you gave of your time to visit and to go places with him so that he could enjoy a "normal" life as long as he could.  

GTOA sent 2 gorgeous floral arrangements.  One was a spray with a football and a white hat.  I loved it.  What an appropriate remembrance.  I sent the football home with one of the grandsons.  We have a picture of Don showing Ethan (6 years old at the time) the Heisman pose.  The other was a huge peace lily, which the funeral director sent home with me.  It is so stately and beautiful, and I thank each of you again as I water and care for it.

Each of you is in my prayers as you begin your 2010-11 ball seasons.  I know the stresses but also the joys to which you look forward as you sign the sheets to start again.  How Don would have loved to be with you!  He was trying for 50 years, but 46 years isn't a bad record.  

Good luck to each of you.  I will be watching on TV and occasionally in the stands.  

I am one of your biggest fans,    

Wanda Thomas"

Don Thomas (posted 6/7/2010)

Don Thomas at Rest, June 5th, 2010

We lost Don at 5:30am Saturday, June 5th, 2010.  He just quit breathing, an easy passing as far as I could tell.  He was surrounded by friends and family over the 3 weeks he was bedridden and showered with kisses and love up to the last.  His son Brad and I were restless and kept checking on him, so we were with him when his breathing became shallow and fast and then stopped. 

Services were held at Floral Haven in Broken Arrow, on Saturday, June 12, 2010. The chapel held 150 with a lobby that was used for overflow.  He was buried in his football uniform, and attending officials wore their uniforms in his honor.  It was a highly visible tribute to a man who dedicated himself to sports officiating and to the growth of the boys and girls who benefited from so many officials who shared this spirit.

Thank you for your prayers for me as well as for Don.  I know he lasted 16 years with this dreaded disease because so many, (so many!) of you held us up in prayers!  Life for me will not be as exciting without him.  He made me a better woman by his determination to really live his life, to "give every minute something to keep in store," as the old hymn says.  

I miss him, extremely.  But I have the peace and comfort only the Lord can give in knowing I will see him again.

Love,   Wanda

Lance Agnew (posted 12/2/2009)

LANCE AGNEW - December 1, 2009

Lance Agnew, fellow official and friend, passed away on December 1st, 2009 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. The GTOA and OSSAA had made arrangements for Lance to be the Honorary Official and perform the coin toss at the 2009 6A State Championship game. This would have been his final on-field duty as an official, but he was unable to make that assignment as there was another plan for him. The loss of Lance is a tough event for our association but our memory of him will live on.