THOMAS DAVID "TOMMY" WORKMAN JR.

CRANE - Thomas David "Tommy" Workman Jr. of Rankin, Texas, departed this life for his heavenly reward on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Tommy was born in Ashland, Ohio, on Sept. 14, 1920, to Thomas David Workman Sr. and Lelia Knapp Workman. He moved with his family to the Texas oil fields at the tender age of 1 year. He attended school in Texon, Campwood and Rankin, and graduated from Rankin High School in 1937. Tommy married his one true love, Alene Owens, on Dec. 13, 1941, in Rocksprings, Texas. They were blessed with two daughters and enjoyed more than 63 years of love and devotion to one another. During World War II, Tommy achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps while serving as a bombardier on a B-24 in the 7th Bomb Group in the China, Burma and India Theater. His primary occupation for 60 years was ranching, but he also owned and operated Ranchers Supply Store in Rankin for a number of years. At the age of 32, Tommy was first elected as the Upton County Commissioner for Precinct 2. Forty-two years later, he retired from the position and was recognized by the State of Texas for the longest consecutive service for a county commissioner in the state. Tommy was devoted to his family, his community and his church. His pride and joy were his five grandsons. He was an avid supporter of each of them in all their activities, spending countless hours enjoying their football games, other sports and school events throughout the years. As a proud supporter of his community, Tommy was very active in civic organizations. He contributed innumerable hours for the benefit of his friends and neighbors and in making Rankin and Upton County a better place to live. He served on the Rankin ISD Board of Trustees, and was a member and leader in the Rankin Lions Club, the Rankin Chamber of Commerce, and the Hand Up for Rankin Food Bank. For years, he worked faithfully to support the Upton County 4-H Club and the Upton County 4-H Junior Livestock Show. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Rankin and later in McCamey. Tommy was honored when, in respect of his community service, the Rankin Park, pool and pavilion were renamed the Tommy Workman Park. As a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Rankin, Tommy gave unselfishly of his time and resources in support of his church, serving faithfully on the Administrative Council, committees and Board of Trustees for many, many years, until failing health prohibited his participation. Having grown up during the Depression, Tommy learned the value of hard work from an early age. However, he would take off work in his later years to pursue his favorite pastime, fishing with his two best buddies, Pete Golson and Garland Dupriest. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and sister-in-law, David Knapp Workman and Ann Workman; a sister, Mary Ann Workman; and a daughter, Darlene Workman McAden. He is survived by his wife, Alene; his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Judye Workman of Englewood, Colo.; his daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Mike Ratliff of Rankin; son-in-law Bobby McAden of Odessa; five grandsons, Tommy McAden and wife Lisa, Jim Bob McAden and wife Rachael, Clayton Ratliff, Dustin Ratliff, and Jay Tom Ratliff; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Service for Tommy will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at the First United Methodist Church of Rankin by the Rev. Jennifer Kelley. Pallbearers will include Garland Dupriest, Pete Golson, Tommy Owens, and the five grandsons. Honorary pallbearers include Bud Poage, Lewis Smith, J.T. Weaver, Les McFadden, Juan Armendarez, Charles Wheeler, DeWayne Lindsey, Billy Ross Wheeler, Tom Bloxom and Boob Kelton. The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. McLean, Dr. Franks, Juanita Wheeler, and all the staff of the Rankin County Hospital District for their excellent care, kindness, and compassion during Tommy's hospital stay. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church of Rankin or to the West Texas Boy's Ranch.

December 4, 2005
Paul and Mary Johnson
We are saddened by the news of Tommy's passing. He was a pallbearer at both my father's and my mother's funerals, and he and Alene were so highly thought of by my parents, and by my husband and me. A note to Alene will follow by mail. Love to the family.