Thomas D. Oliphant

Obituary

Thomas Dale Oliphant was born on June 23, 1938 in Cordova, Illinois. He was the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Robson) Oliphant. Thomas was baptized as an adult on April 10, 1972, at the Church of Christ in Martell, Iowa. His education continued after the navy at Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Illinois, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Ministry.

Thomas entered active military service in the U.S. Navy on July 6, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa. He received an Honorable Discharge on May 1, 1958, and achieved the rank of AR, (Airman Recruit).

On July 3, 1958, Thomas was united in marriage to Sonia Gleason at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa. This marriage was blessed with three children, Jim, Shelly, and Debbie. Thomas and Sonia resided in Waterloo, Iowa, for several years, and later moved to serve in the ministry in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri Texas, and Virginia. Thomas and Sonia shared 59 years of marriage until Sonia passed away on January 3, 2017, in Hutchinson. On February 2, 2018, Thomas remarried to Anecia Langenbau at Crosspoint Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota.

Thomas was an Ordained Minister, a Chaplin for Gentle Shepherd Hospice, Spiritual Leader for Emmaus Walk, and served as a bible camp instructor and leader. He retired on December 25, 2006, but continued to serve as an active member of the church and community. Thomas was a member of Emmaus Walk Ministry. He was also a member of the Rapha Christian Ministries, and a member of the American Legion.

Thomas enjoyed going on vacations to Carolina Beach. He also enjoyed reading, fishing, bowling, crosswords puzzles, word puzzles, playing cards with friends and family, and watching stockcar racing at the New River Valley Speedway. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Thomas passed away on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Harmony River Living Center, at the age of 83 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Thomas is survived by his:
Wife, Anecia “Nissy” Langenbau of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Jim Oliphant and his wife, Renee of Roanoke, VA,
Shelly Lane and her husband, Larry of Hutchinson, MN,
Debbie Olson and her husband, Jeff of Iowa City, IA;
Grandchildren, Kris Oliphant, Aaron Oliphant, Heather Oliphant, Sarah Harbarth, Jessica Dragt, Thomas Hudson, Brooke Welsh, Jon Olson;
18 Great-grandchildren;
Many other relatives and friends.

Thomas is preceded in death by his Parents, Frank and Elizabeth Oliphant; Wife, Sonia Oliphant.

Sympathy cards or flowers accepted by Nissy Langenbau, Wife of Thomas, or Shelly Lane, daughter of Thomas, at their home residence.