Thomas D. Botello

Thomas 'Tom' D. Botello passed away on Saturday, September 20, in San Saba, Texas. He was born in Pasche, Texas to Crisostomo & Jesusa (Duarte) Botello and was one of 13 children. He grew up in San Saba Texas, attended San Saba High School, and would go on to attend Texas Tech University. He proudly served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged from the military. His military records reflected that he excelled in each of his responsibilities and would advance in rank to perform educational training for his regiment/unit.

He met the love of his life, Felicita Guadalupe Sandate, at the South Plains Fair and were married for 39 years until her death in 1996.

He would always make mention of how proud he was of his children and grandchildren. Sadly, his oldest son, Ralph Steven "Steve," passed away suddenly in April of this year. Tom was deeply saddened by this but wanted to be strong for the family. He reminded us of such fond memories of Steve that we were able to celebrate him and be uplifted by his example.

Tom excelled in many things in life. He loved playing & coaching baseball. He coached his sons' Little League teams for many years. In many instances too numerous to count, the young men who were coached by him would say that Tom had a great impact on their lives.

He used his God-given talent to design and build beautiful pieces of furniture, cabinets, clocks, including grandfather clocks, decorative and ornamental pieces and numerous other items. If it could be made with wood, he would find a way to do it.

For several years, Tom passionately followed six man football, namely the Richland Springs Coyotes. He would travel the state to cheer them on to several state championships. He marveled at the speed of the game, the coaching tactics, game planning and the talent level that the Coyotes would put on the field year after year. He also was a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and had been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys during the Tom Landry era.

Tom had a tremendous work ethic and felt the best when he was hard at work. Many of his physicians marveled at his physical abilities despite his age. He thoroughly loved his extended family and looked forward to family reunions.

Tom was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Parish in Lubbock, Texas for more than 50 years. One of his proudest moments was when he was commissioned to design and build sanctuary furnishings for the new church building. That would include statue pedestals, altar, chairs, and ambo, to name a few. He also worked with other parishes in their remodels and considered it an honor to do so.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, 9 brothers and 2 sisters and a son, Ralph Steven of Lubbock. He is survived by a daughter, Mary Jane of Lubbock, a son, Tom, Jr (Diane) of Lubbock, four grandchildren, Randa Rhodes (John) of Waxahachie, Texas, Dustin Hanna of Lubbock, Alyssa of Lake Dallas, Texas and Trey of Lubbock, along with one great grandson, Paxton of Waxahachie, Texas. He is also survived by a brother, Felix Botello and a sister, Pauline Perez, both of San Saba.

His family is comforted in knowing that he will be welcomed by his wife, son, brothers and sisters and many other loved ones that have gone before him. Tom truly had an impact on many people's lives during his lifetime. His children, along with the appointed family "Matriarch", Diane, (Tom had made this announcement at one of his doctor appointments), have been blessed with the tremendous outpouring of prayers, encouragement and support from friends and family of Tom. Words cannot express our gratitude for the love and support we have received.