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Lubbock- Father Thomas "Tom" R. Diebel, 79, died February 16, 2018, in Fort Worth, Texas, where he moved to be with is family. He is survived by one son, Tom Thomas and daughter-in-law, MariEtta and many that thought of him as a father.
Tom Diebel was born December 1, 1938, in Lubbock, to Henry T. Diebel and Bertie Feazell.
He entered the Marines. He later attended Texas Tech University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in social work. He completed his seminary training at St. Mark Benedictine Monastery in South Union, Kentucky at the age of 41.
Father Diebel was ordained a priest by Bishop Lawrence DeFalco for the Diocese of Amarillo, in Lubbock on June 6, 1979, in Our Lady of Grace Church. Father Tom continued ministering in the Diocese of Lubbock from its establishment in 1983.
After ordination, Father Tom served at Our Lady of Grace Church, while also assisting in ministry for four other parishes. While assigned to Saint Margaret Mary In Lamesa from 1979-1980, he was appointed Director of Scouting for Catholic Boy and Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls, a position he held well after his retirement from the active priesthood in July 1998.
Between 1980 and 1984, Father Diebel served at Our Lady of Grace Church, as sacramental minister at Saint Mary Church in Spur and Saint Francis Church in Wolfforth. He served as administrator and pastor at Saint Theresa Church, Lubbock; as pastor of Saint Mary, Spur, as associate pastor at Slaton Saint Joseph, and as auxiliary priest at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock.
Father Tom was a "worker priest," a designation for a priest who works in a secular job in addition to his priestly duties. In January 1988, he traveled to Fort Worth to serve as chaplain for Ledel Shows, an entertainment company. He returned to the Diocese of Lubbock and ministered in parishes in Post, Wilson, Jayton and Spur.
Father Tom was always available to visit hospital patients in an emergency situation. He served as Emergency Room chaplain at Lubbock General Hospital (now University Medical Center) in 1990. He also served as a chaplain at Methodist/Covenant Hospital.
Father Tom was active with the diocesan Catholic War Veterans Post 1942, chartered August 9, 2004, with 25 members. Father Tom Diebel was the Lubbock chaplain as well as serving as the state chaplain for Texas.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church on February 26, with Bishop Robert Coerver as principal celebrant, with many of Father Tom's brother priests of the diocese. Vigil service will be at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 25 in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Was surprised to hear of Uncle Tom's passing.
Lost touch with him after dad's and grandfather's passings in 1993.
It was hard for him but he helped with the military services for dad and assist with preacher with his eulogy.
Uncle Tom will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Darrell Diebel,Sr
May 18, 2018
Father Tom and I always had our memories working together at St. Margaret Mary Church in Lamesa, working with Msgr. Jerome Vitek and taking care of him. He never complained, always had a cheerful disposition. He was my rock during that time. I will continue to keep him in my prayers. I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Leticia Dimas
February 28, 2018
Manuel and Cristie Prieto
February 27, 2018
r
Father Tom was a big asset to the tornado victims in the May 11, 1970 Lubbock tornado. He was also blessed with carpentry skills. May he rest in peace.
Lupe Rodriguez Gonzalez
February 26, 2018
Sorry to hear of Father Tom's passing. My wife and I knew him out at Reese AFB during the late 80s and early 90s. He was a great priest and all-around good guy. He always had a word of encouragement when needed or a joke to lighten the moment. He co-celebrated our wedding. He was a crusty old Marine with a very kind heart. We will miss him.
May he rest in peace in Heaven.
Carry on, Father Tom!
Lou DoRego
Friend
February 26, 2018
At age 4, I was baptized into the Catholic church by Father Diebel while he was assigned to our parish. I owe him many thanks for welcoming me into the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic church. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and everyone in the Catholic faith community whose lives he enriched over the years. May you sincerely rest in heavenly peace and celebrate with the saints and angels.
Steven Waldie
February 25, 2018
Father Tom was such a unique soul. He would ride his motorcycle to our parish church, which was 50 miles from Lubbock and the children thought he was the coolest priest they had ever seen. But once you got to know him you realized he really was very special. He had such a personal way of telling a story, in a down to earth manner. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.
Susan Gandy
February 25, 2018
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