Anthony "Tony" James Armstrong

Anthony James Armstrong was born on November 9, 1966 on a stormy afternoon in Clayton, MO, St. Louis County, to James Del and Della Beth Scanlan Armstrong. He left his earthly body on July 2, 2021 at the age of 54 years, 7 months and 23 days, on a stormy afternoon at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK surrounded by his family after a short but fierce battle with lung, lymph and brain cancer.

Tony, as he was known, had many loves.  He was an adventurer and explorer of all sorts, whether it be arrowhead hunting, camping, fishing, hunting, rock picking or searching for just the “right” piece of wood.  He also loved antiquing, dancing, singing and learning and sharing history with anyone that would listen and being mischievous.

The family lived many places including St. Louis, MO, Beaver, OK, Laverne, OK, Weatherford, OK before finally settling at the family homestead at Slapout, OK.

Tony began his educational career at Laverne, OK where he attended from Kindergarten to third grade. The family then moved to Weatherford, OK where he attended fourth and fifth grade. When living in Weatherford, Tony was introduced to team swimming.  He was an accomplished swimmer, winning swim meets in his age category for the breaststroke, butterfly stroke and the back stroke.  When the school year started and the swim meets were over, he was introduced to pee wee football, and this is where his love for the game started. He not only loved to play it but loved to watch it as well.  A fond memory of his was going to watch OU football, live and in person with his dad.  Tony returned to Laverne Public Schools during his sixth-grade year where he continued learning, loving and living until he graduated with the Class of 1985.  While attending Laverne Public Schools he was active in Letter L Club, FFA, Miss Laverne Escort, Student Council, Golf, Baseball (Center and Right Fielder), Basketball (Post position), Track (Shot, Disc, and the Fat Man Relay), Jr Play, Sr Play, All School Musical, Show Choir, FCA, Class President, Class Sentinel, Beta Club, Who’s Who Among American HS Students, and Football (where he played Defensive End and Defensive Tackle), receiving awards for Best Actor, Red Carpet Conference All Star and All District Football. 

Football enabled him to play at the collegiate level for Panhandle Oklahoma State University where he attended for two years. He also attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Tony was baptized in 1984 at the Laverne Baptist Church and at the time of his death was a member of the Fairview Methodist Church attending both Sunday School and sermons.

On August 2, 1997, Tony was united in marriage to Maria Kennard and to this union one child, Amanda May, was born.

Tony was employed by Western State Hospital as a Mental Health Aide as well as by several local farmers and ranchers.

Tony is preceded in death by his grandparents Ormal and Chloe Loetta Armstrong, Gleason and Della Scanlan, his father James Del Armstrong, uncles Jerry Lee Armstrong and Jay Van Armstrong. He is survived by his daughter Amanda May Armstrong, Laverne, OK; mother, Della Beth Armstrong, Slapout, OK; sister, Megan (Cody) Morland, Laverne, OK; niece, Shelbi Morland, Tulsa, OK; nephew, Reid Morland, Laverne, OK; uncles Joe (Karen) Armstrong, Darrouzett, TX; Allan (Molly) Scanlan, Fincastle, VA; aunt Dolly (Jim) Sutton, Nashville, IL; cousins Brandon (Christine) Armstrong, Chickasha, OK; Paula Sutton and Lisa Studnicki, Lebanon, IL; and David Sutton, Du Boise, IL; numerous other relatives and close friends.