William Ernest Tompkins

William Ernest Tompkins, 93-year-old former Vinita resident, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025, at home, surrounded by family. He was born on March 18, 1932, in Medusa, New York to Niles and Grace (McCoy) Tompkins. He married Zelma Ella Mae “Penny” Rowell on March 13, 1976, and the two were married for forty-nine years.

William graduated from West Coxsackie High School in New York with the class of 1950. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a courier for the military in Germany during the Korean War. After his tour of duty, Wiliam became a New York State Trooper. Later, he went to work as an over-the-road truck driver.

In his spare time, William enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. An avid cook, William loved to grill and was known to enjoy a cold beer at family barbecues. He also would help the neighbor with cattle. He enjoyed this so much that he wound up getting cattle of his own; however, because of William’s handfeeding, they were more like pets.

William is survived by his wife Penny, of the home; children, William Ernest Tompkins, Jr. (Diane) of Athens, New York, Catherine Thompson of Enid, Oklahoma, Sharon Zimney (Brian) of Illinois, Patty Carras of Coxsackie, New York, Julie VanAlphen (Michael) of Ancram, New York, Lori Ribenburgh (Edward) of Claremore, Oklahoma, Robyn Gillum (Jim (d)) of Bernice, Oklahoma, Jeffrey Edward Carver (Chasity) of Enid, Oklahoma, and Candee Nair-Cameron (Robert) of Claremore, Oklahoma; numerous grandkids, great-grandkids, great-great-grandkids, nieces and nephews; and brothers, Thomas Tompkins (Mary Ann) of Athens, New York, and Lynn Tompkins of South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his son, Leslie Hood, Jr.; parents, Niles, and Grace Tompkins; brother, Edwin Tompkins; and son-in-law, Jim Gillum.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Cecilian Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Sylvanus Amaobi officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery of Vinita.

The family will accept flowers; however, you may also choose to donate to the Enid SPCA in William’s memory.

Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesvinita.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita. “Family owned. Locally operated.”