Tom M. Hills

1943 - 2021

Thomas M. Hills passed away peacefully in Dalhart, Texas on December 22, 2020 at the age of 77. Tom was born August 8, 1943 to Jeanette (Campbell) and Jay W. Hills in Appleton, Wisconsin. The family moved to Dalhart in the 1950's and Tom graduated from Dalhart High School.

Tom earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas Tech University and a PhD in Entomology from Iowa State University.

Tom married Ann Baney in 1973 and the couple had two children, Kori and Jay.

Through the years, Tom worked for a chemical company, was part of a fertilizer business, owned a crop consulting business and was a partner in a large farming operation northwest of Dalhart. But Tom's greatest enjoyment came from owning a ranch south of Dalhart. He built buildings, fences, watering systems and had a cattle operation there.

Known to his grandkids as Big Tom, Tom would buy you a beer, bail you out of jail and do anything for you if he considered you a friend.

Tom is survived by his wife, Ann, daughter Kori (Brian) Phenegar of Austin, son Jay (Kelsey) Hills of Dallas; four grandchildren, Evan and Quinn Phenegar and Hyde and Remy Hills; and a nephew, Bruce Hills of North Dakota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bruce, a sister and brother-in-law, Marylin and Bob Long, and nephew Randy Long.

A family service will be held at a future date.

Memorials may be made to Dalhart Meals on Wheels (P.O. Box 1060, Dalhart, TX 79022) or the Twilight Fund (P.O. Box 471, Dalhart, TX 79022).