Tommy Joe Compton

Tommy Joe Compton Tommy Joe Compton, our Dad, a husband, a brother, an uncle, and a best friend to many, died on April 17, 2010 in Lampasas, Texas, at the age of 86. Joe was born on November 7, 1923, the youngest of two brothers, Burl and Coy, and a brother to two sisters, Lucille and Ida (Dike). He is survived by his wife, Dottie Compton; one sister, Ida (Dike) Williams and family; two sons and their wives, Robert and Barbara Compton, David and Katherine Compton; one daughter, Suzanne Lansford; five grandchildren, Atesha Compton, William Lansford, Chris Compton, Lindsay Compton, and Jennifer Compton. Joe is also survived by two step grandchildren, Micah Key and Sara Key, as well as four great grandchildren. Other surviving family includes one step-daughter, Mary Ann Slavin and husband Patrick; one step-son, Lynn and Amy Morgan and their two children. In addition, Joe leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and hundreds of friends. Joe was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, one sister and granddaughter, Leanne Deree Lansford. Joe started out as a young man working for his Dad in Lipan, Texas, and ventured out to Slickrock, Colorado, with family and friends to try to make money during the depression years. The family and friends did well in working the mines in Slickrock and supported the workers by establishing a country general store. Soon thereafter World War II broke out and the sons and daughters returned to Texas to do their part in the coming war years. Joe first participated in a government assignment with the U.S. War Department in England before going into the Navy. Joe then began his training to be a Naval Aviator. After the war ended Joe returned to Lipan, Texas, to help his Dad with the farm and began attending John Tarleton State College. Soon Joe met and married Maxine Deree Bobo and began his thirty-two years employment with the State of Texas. Joe began with the Texas Department of Public Welfare (DPW) in Burnet County, with nine years in Big Spring, Texas, followed with his remaining State employment with the Employees Retirement System in Austin, Texas. During this period, Joe was honored to be a member of the Big Spring Toastmasters Club, and President of the DPW Credit Union (now known as the Greater Texas Federal Credit Union). After Joe's retirement from the State, they moved to Lampasas, Texas, and then on to Fredericksburg, Texas, where they remained until Maxine's death in August 1996. Joe returned to Lampasas, his adopted hometown, where he furthered his great golf game and renewed great friendships while reestablishing his membership in the Lampasas Golf Association. Joe was happy when one of his new golfing friends (Dottie) became his bride in March 2003. The family wants to send their sincere appreciation to Doctors' James Cain, Morris Patteson, Ronald Johnson, and staff at Rollins Brook Hospital in Lampasas, and the Lampasas Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their nurturing care and attention to Joe during this critical time in his life. There will be a memorial service for Joe on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Sneed Funeral Chapel in Lampasas, Texas. Joe's dogs Bojo, Ruby, and Ninnie (thanks Kim) played an important role in his retirement years and during his illness. In lieu of flowers, Joe requested that donations be made to ASPCA or the charity of your choice.