Thomas Withrow

Thomas Paul Withrow Thomas Withrow, of Midland, passed away Monday, November 22, 2010. Thomas, also known as T.P., was born November, 18, 1914 in Wellington, Texas to James Leon and Nellie Withrow. In 1917 his family moved to Knox City, Texas. After the passing of his father when he was 13 he went to work as a dairy farmer to help support his family. He graduated from Knox City High School in 1932 as Salutatorian. After high school, he attended the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas where he graduated in 1938 with a Bachelor's Degree in Science. In 1939 he moved to Midland, Texas and took a job as a Juke Box Repair Man at Texas Music Company, where he was later offered at partnership in the business. Shortly after that he married Alla Absher on February 29, 1940. They had two sons and a daughter. He also served his civil service duty as an Electrical Engineer for aircraft in WWII. He bought out the partnership to own Texas Music Company in 1949. During 1953 to 1955, he was the President of Ranchland Hills Country Club. In 1966, Thomas married Marie Eglin, and they had one son. He sold Texas Music Company in 1967. In the early 1970's, he became an acupuncturist and found a second career as a Petroleum Landman in the mid 1970's and started with Perry & Perry in 1975. He retired 30 years later. He was a member of the Suez Shriner for 56 years and he was a 32nd Degree Master Mason of the Masonic Lodge for 58 years. He was a Midland Pioneer who helped establish Midland Memorial Hospital, he was a member of the Petroleum Landman association, he is one of the last founding fathers of the community of Midland. He is preceded in death by his father and mother James Leon and Nelle Withrow, first wife Alla Absher Withrow, his second wife Marie Eglin Withrow, his son Jimmy Withrow, and two brothers Donald and Leon Withrow. He is survived by his three children Judy Burks, Don Withrow, Robert Withrow, his son in law Tom Burks, and two daughters in laws Barb Withrow, and Dee McCollum. His seven grandkids, Shelly Withrow, Todd Withrow, Steve Burks, Scott Burks, Kellie Withrow, Kyle Withrow, Kaci Carter, Paul "Tony" Anthony Withrow along with 10 great grand kids. He will be greatly missed by all the people who loved him. He was a teacher to many and touched a lot of people's lives. Everyone who knew him loved, respected and admired the amazing man he was. Funeral services have been scheduled for 9:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.