Tom R. Wallace

1933 - 2018

December 10, 1933 - February 20, 2018
After a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, Tom went home to his Lord on Feb. 20, 2018. Preceded in death by parents, Claude H. Wallace and Faye Martin Wallace, beloved brothers, C.H. Wallace Jr. and Kenneth Wallace, and sister-in-law Joyce Wallace; he is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Luralee, son Martin "Wally," nieces and nephews including Diana Wallace, Kenneth Wallace Jr. (wife Judy), and their three sons Ken III, Alex, and Bryan.
Tom graduated from Gatesville High School and North Texas State College. He was chosen Cadet Col. of North Texas ROTC unit, receiving national recognition for his service. After serving in the Air Force, Tom worked in Washington, DC on Senator Lyndon B. Johnson's staff and the Senate Armed Services Committee. Tom fondly remembered time spent with Speaker Sam Rayburn, a near family relative, who referred to Tom as his nephew.
Tom served as Executive Director of The Texas Sheep and Goat Raiser's Association, playing a major role in establishing the screwworm eradication program. He later led efforts to establish the Textile Research Center at Texas Tech.
Services: 3pm Fri, Feb 23 First Baptist Church SA. Burial: 1:30pm Sat, Feb 24, in Gatesville.