Tommie Gene Lentz

Tommie Gene Lentz, age 76, passed from this life suddenly on February 26th, 2024, in Oswego, Kansas.

He was born July 9th, 1947, to Milton J Lentz and Mabel Irene (Roach) Lentz, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During his younger years, he was selling produce door to door and making money with his mother and father with their trucking business. He loved to tell the stories of the old fruit market in Tulsa. Tommie was an only child; he grew up with his first cousins who were more like brothers, Chuck, Kenneth Raye, and Abe.

He graduated from Quinton High School in 1965. During his years there, he made lifelong friends that were like his family and always referred to that area as “home”. He then went onto to Oklahoma State University and graduated with a degree in Agriculture Education in 1969. After graduating from college, he taught in the classroom for one year, but quickly realized teaching was not for him and he needed to make more money. He then started remodeling houses and building cabinets for new homes.

He was joined in marriage with Jean (Haas) Lentz and to this union two daughters were born: Lisa and Tammy. His girls were his whole world and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Although Tommie and Jean divorced, they remained lifelong friends and showed their children and grandchildren the definition of lifelong commitment.

He opened and ran the 11-20 Market in Skiatook for over 20 years. He met many people through his business and formed lifelong friendships with his customers. Tommie was a salesman, and he could sale anything to anyone. He talked faster than he could think!

Tommie was a father and grandfather figure to many. He loved his family and friends and treated everyone like he had known them their whole lives. He never met a stranger, and his favorite activity was talking. He was exceptionally good at welcoming everyone with open arms. When Tommie became a grandfather, he was so excited. He loved spending time with and spoiling his grandkids, filling them with wisdom, and teaching them many lifelong lessons along the way.

Tommie is survived by his two daughters, Lisa Jane Showalter and her husband, Chris Showalter, of Bristow, Oklahoma, and Tammy Jean Lentz of Bristow, Oklahoma. Four grandchildren, Christopher Showalter, Jake Showalter, Grant Vanorsdol, and Graycee Vanorsdol, and a host of other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Milton, and Mabel (Irene) Lentz, and his former wife, Jean Lentz.

Tommie was the rock of his family, and he will be greatly missed by his daughters, grandchildren, and his many friends and family left behind.

Lunch will be served at 12:00 Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Family Worship Center of Skiatook at 4009 West Country Road Skiatook, OK 74070