Thomas Wade Van Bebber

1938 - 2016

Thomas Wade Van Bebber, 78, passed away unexpectedly at Pioneers Memorial Hospital on April 27, 2016. Thomas was born in Comanche, OK on January 10, 1938 to John and Maxine Van Bebber. Thomas moved to the West Coast as a child during the Great Depression (to work in the Grapes in Washington, eventually following the crops to Brawley, CA). Thomas started working in the packing sheds at the age of 13 and owned many Agriculture businesses throughout his life. Being engaged in the Agriculture occupation is where Thomas met most of his lifetime friends. Thomas married his high school sweetheart Carolyn Van Bebber on January 18, 1958 in Winterhaven, CA. One of his favorite activities was to go to the Del Mar Race's every summer with his family. He also loved to fish and golf (Del Rio Country Club Member). Thomas was such a helpful person he always wanted to help people out. He was an active supporter of the FFA and 4H and loved buying kids animals at the fair. Thomas is survived by his wife Carolyn Ann Van Bebber (Butters), his children, Tommy (Tish) Van Bebber, Robin Pierce and Stephanie (Terry) Van Bebber Guler; 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren. He is survived by his older brother/sister John Mack (Alice) Van Bebber and Gayle V. Brown and his three younger brothers Gene (Betty), Dean, and Rodney (Lyn) Van Bebber. Thomas is preceded in death by his father and mother John and Maxine Van Bebber, his younger brother Ronnie Van Bebber, and his daughter Kamie Jo Kellum. Services will be held Saturday, May 21 at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley. Visitation will be from 8 to 10 a.m. with Chapel service to follow at 10 a.m. Thomas will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery after service. Lunch will be provided at the Stockmens Club in Brawley so that family and friends can share memories of Thomas and celebrate his life.