Thomas Earl Anderson
August 7, 1951 - February 13, 2026
Thomas Earl Anderson, 74, of Ponca City, OK, left this life on Friday, February 13, 2026. Viewing will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Trout Funeral Home. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Christ’s Church in Newkirk, OK. Burial will immediately follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Ponca City, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave., Ponca City, OK 74601.
Thomas was born on Tuesday, August 7, 1951, in Ponca City, to Glen Leroy and Joanne Vivian (Huff) Anderson. He married Susan Hall on June 1, 1979.
Thomas enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1969 and served six years as a Sergeant with the 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry. He was honorably discharged in 1975 and received multiple commendations for his service.
Thomas was an ordained minister who faithfully served his church and community for many years, spending time as a visiting pastor in churches throughout the area. He was deeply involved in church life and youth programs. He enjoyed golf and loved OU football.
Tom’s work ethic began early. In seventh grade, he began working at the Dixie Dog for Majir and Manya Kornblit, Holocaust survivors who became dear mentors to him. What started as a young boy’s job turned into a lifelong calling. In 1977, Tom purchased the Dixie Dog from the Kornblits and proudly served the Ponca City community for nearly five decades. The Dixie Dog became more than a business — it was a gathering place, a tradition, and part of the town’s identity. In 2025, he sold the Dixie Dog to his nephew, Brian Anderson.
Thomas is survived by: his children, Larry Anderson of Ponca City, OK; Jerry Anderson and wife, Sally, of Glenpool, OK; Ashley Magnus and husband, Shane, of Ponca City, OK; James Anderson and wife, Jessica, of Ponca City, OK; grandchildren, Wesley, Kayla, Zoe, Lily, Thomas, Wyatt, Addie, Miles, and Max; great-grandchildren, Nora, Eli, Allyson, and Lola; siblings, Tim Anderson and wife, Sharon, of Ponca City, OK; Glenda Backhaus of Ponca City, OK; and Jack Anderson of Ponca City, OK; several nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Hall Anderson; his parents, Glen Leroy and Joanne Vivian Anderson; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Pallbearers will be Wesley Anderson, Thomas Magnus, Wyatt Magnus, Brian Anderson, Jason Hall, and Jonathan Morris.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ’s Church, 1001 W Boaz St, Newkirk, OK 74647.
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