Tommy Escobia

Tommy Escobia passed from this life April 24, 2019 in Oklahoma City at the age of 71. He was born October 30, 1947 in Modesto, CA to Anselmo Bitco Escobia and Magdaline Escobia (Rodriguez). After graduating high school, Tommy joined the United States Air Force. He met his first wife, Yong Cha Cho, while stationed in Korea. From this marriage, they were blessed with two sons, Tommy “TJ” Jason Escobia and Thomas Jr. Escobia. Although this marriage was not forever, the bond and friendship between them will last for all eternity. Over the years, Tommy and Yong became the very best of friends and had an incredible amount of respect for one another.
After retiring as a civil engineer from the Air Force, Tommy went on to pursue his passion in owning a business. He started a janitorial service in Oklahoma City and was successful with this for more than twenty years before his final retirement. Tommy married Jhe Shin in 1982 and they were blessed with 32 years of marriage before her passing on January 30, 2014. The loving and devoted husband that he was, Tommy spent the next two years of his life visiting Jhe’s final resting place each and every day to spend time with her and replenish flowers.
Tommy was a dedicated member of Oklahoma City First Korean Church of the Nazarene for more than 20 years and enjoyed attending services with his wife. He loved being outdoors and working in his garden, growing plants and vegetables. Tommy had the heart of a servant and lived to improve the lives of those around him. He never stopped giving of his time, resources, and kindness to anyone he came into contact with. One of his favorite things was blessing his family and friends with the green onions and other vegetables he had grown. In addition, Tommy had a passion for taking road trips on a whim and was ecstatic to mark the Grand Canyon and the Black Hills off of his bucket list. He also loved taking trips to see his family and was always excited and proud to join TJ at the annual Veterans Dinners. He was a lifelong supporter of the military and had great pride in his country and those who serve. More recently, Tommy could often be found shopping and working on his collections of swords, classic cars, and Star Wars memorabilia. Tommy was incredibly talented at making nunchucks. He had a tremendous knowledge in martial arts, which is something that he enjoyed sharing with his family as well.
Tommy’s legacy of generosity, love, and service to those around him will continue through the lives he touched.
He was preceded in passing by his parents, Anselmo Bitco Escobia and Magdaline Escobia (Rodriguez); wife, Jhe Shin; sons, Arthur and Thomas Jr. Escobia; and brothers, Jimmy, Sammy, and Danny Escobia.
Survivors include his sons, Tommy Jason Escobia “TJ”, and wife Renea of Powder Springs, GA and George Escobia of Sacremento, CA: grandchildren, Marissa Joyce Escobia, Tommy James Escobia, and Samuel Brandon Escobia; sisters, Barbara Caballes, Lillian Pahia, and June Ann Murrin; neighbors who were more like family, Butch McGee and his wife, Rene, Sheila James, Michael McGee, Keghan McGee, and Joe and Gerry Osborne. In addition, Tommy is survived by his loving church family, Pastor Hyeon Lee, and a host of loving extended family and friends.
Visitation for Tommy is 2:00pm to 8:00pm, Friday, April 26, 2019 at Resthaven Funeral Home, 500 SW 104th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73139. Services to honor Tommy’s life are 10:00am, Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens.