Athas "Tom" Baldas

Athanasius Baldas, otherwise known as Athas or Tom, was born to James Hector Baldas (Demetrios Galazoulas) and Maria Conseulo (Rodriguez) Baldas on November 8, 1928 in Brownsville, TX and departed this life in Lawton, OK on August 24, 2013 at the age of 84 years, 9 months and 16 days. Tom grew up at Brownsville, TX and attended Seguin Military School in Seguin, TX. He went on to serve his country honorably in the U.S. Army during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a recipient of the Legion Of Merit Award, and after 21 years he retired from the military and then had a career with the Job Corps. On June 26, 1959 at the Old Post Chapel, Ft. Sill, OK he married Essie Faye (Swinford) Bunch and for the past 54 years has kept the love of his life in his sight at all times. Tom enjoyed boxing in the U.S. Army and stayed physically fit until his age and health slowed him down. He also enjoyed playing games with his children and grandchildren. He never met a stranger and was loved by all. Every day was his birthday, and he always had a joke or song. He made everybody's life joyful. He was generous and kind, and his smile will never be forgotten. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Consuelo Baldas, his brother, James Hector Baldas, Jr., a son-in-law, James Richard Ferrer and a special nephew-in-law, William Merritt. Survivors include his wife, Essie Faye, of the home; three children, Pamela June Baldas Jensen and husband Frank Jensen of Lawton, Joveda Faye Bunch Ferrer of Herndon, VA, David Vernon Bunch and wife, Anna Rebecca (Lockerd) Bunch of Medicine Park; a special niece, Carolyn Jane (Sipes) Merritt of Lawton, and her daughter Heather Rhea Coleman of Orlando, FL; seven grandchildren, Macy Faye Jensen, Ryan Spencer Jensen and Sarah Rebekah Bunch all of Lawton, Holland Arnéta Bunch LaSorsa and husband Kevin LaSorsa of Medicine Park, James Richard Ferrer, Jr. of Thailand, Katherine Faye Ferrer and Jacqueline Grace Ferrer, both of Herndon, VA; three great grandchildren and one on the way; other relatives and many friends.