F. T. "Tommy" Carstensen, "Best Dad Ever", 71, of Garden City, died on Thursday, May 21, 2009, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, May 25, 2009 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rev. Ricky Carstensen, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Lockney, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home.He was born on October 24, 1937, in Mitchell County, Texas and married Nelda Sutphen on June 28, 1957 in Flower Grove, Texas. Tommy grew up in the Flower Grove Community and graduated from Flower Grove High School. He farmed for a number of years in Glasscock County and worked for the County of Glasscock for 16 years as a maintainer operator before retiring due to health reasons.He was a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Garden City and a member of the Senior Citizen's group. He loved his grandkids and enjoyed square dancing, hunting, fishing and camping. Survivors include his wife, Nelda Carstensen of Garden City; four daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Gene Pond of Haltom City, Tonya and Chuck Reese of Carrollton, Lisa and Nick Reyna of Big Spring and Jeannie and Lupe Villafranco of Midland; one brother, Pat Carstensen of Knott; four sisters, Ruby McCarty, Nellie Van Den Biggeilaar and Myrtle Sparks all of Sanger and Lucille Farrington of Big Spring; five grandchildren, Matthew, Cory and Jarrett Reyna and, Megan and Dylan Villafranco. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Naomi Carstensen and four brothers, C. J. Carstensen, Andy Carstensen, Fred Carstensen, Jr. and Arthur Carstensen. The family suggests memorials be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 4601 50th Street, Suite 101, Lubbock, Texas 79414-3514 or to the American Diabetes Association, 3001 N. Big Spring, Midland, Texas 79705 or to a favorite charity.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,