Tommy Bert Handley, 69, of Wichita Falls was welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.
Tommy was born on October 3, 1951, in Larned, Kansas, the middle child to Robert Handley and Elizabeth Schraeder. He joined the U.S. Army in 1971 and was first stationed in Korea, where he met the love of his life, Suk K. Ko. They were married on November 26, 1972. His leadership qualities were recognized by a commanding officer who mentored and encouraged him to become an officer. After 21 dedicated years of service, he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3; a decorated veteran, who received the Legion of Merit Award.
He then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. He taught for ten years in the Rio Grande Valley while also completing his Master’s Degree in Counseling. He was a Vice Principal at the Juvenile Detention Center in Edinburg, Texas, where he offered guidance to troubled youth. With his passion for the military and mentoring, he relocated to Wichita Falls in 2009 and was the Education Counselor on Sheppard Air Force Base. With a deep faith in Christ, he continued to serve the community through volunteer work at his church, the local soup kitchen and with Meals on Wheels.
He is survived by his wife, Suk Handley of Wichita Falls; children, Penny Whippie of Hawaii, Tammie (Andrew) Blake of Wisconsin, and Daniel (Heaven) Handley of Texas; and four grandchildren. He truly loved his church, Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls on Monday, January 18, 2021 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Service will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Wichita Falls on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 1 pm, with a private burial at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Foundation (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate)o
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Owens & Brumley Funeral Home
101 South Avenue D
Burkburnett, TX 76354
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 17, 2021
