Homer Clifton Tomerlin, Jr. of Big Spring, passed peacefully from this world on July 7, 2015, in Midland, Texas.He was born September 5, 1937, in Hondo, Texas, son of Homer Clifton Tomerlin, Sr. and Pauline Snider Tomerlin. He was raised primarily in Hondo, Startzville and San Antonio, Texas. He has four siblings, Lonzo Tomerlin, Charles Tomerlin, Kenneth Tomerlin and Patsy Rich. In February 1955 he joined the United States Navy and was in communications and also fought as a boxer, garnering many trophies. In the summer of 1956, he met the love of his life, Joanne Ruth Gaudette and had a 10 day courtship. He later returned on a short leave from the Navy and they were married October 20, 1956, in San Antonio, Texas.Homer was a man of virtue, integrity and charity. He had a deep love for knowledge that was as varied as his career and interests. He shared his knowledge and life skills with everyone he encountered. During his life he was in the automotive parts industry, telecommunications, software development, wholesale produce and commercial horticulture business. At age 36, he bought a ranch in Bandera County, built his dream home and pursued his life-long dream of farming and ranching. He and Joanne had three children. While living on the ranch, they worked side-by-side year-round with their father. The days were long and arduous, yet full of love and laughter. One of his most important goals was to teach his children the value of hard work, integrity and the importance of charity. With Homer and Joanne they learned skills that ranged from management, vegetable production, horseback riding and cattle ranching, all the way to milking cows and making butter. They moved to Big Spring in 1982 when Homer purchased Auto Parts of Big Spring and Walker Auto Parts in Big Spring and Stanton. The west Texas people and weather kept him here for the past 33 years.He was a quiet man who chose his words carefully, yet when he spoke, all listened. He also had a very dry and witty sense of humor. Homer was a well-read man. He poured over as much literature as he could whenever he decided to delve into a new interest. His hobbies were very diversified. He enjoyed traveling, off-roading in the western United States, Native American pictographs and culture, camping, hunting, snow skiing, carpentry, bird-watching, adventures with his siblings, horticulture and most importantly time with his children and grandchildren. His marriage and partnership of 60 years with Joanne was an amazing and loving adventure.Homer had a deep love for Jesus and was a devout Catholic. He performed many services at Holy Trinity Catholic church. Homer was a Knight of Columbus, a Rotarian and a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program. His most important commitment however was to his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Joanne; his son Homer Clifton Tomerlin III and wife Connie of San Antonio, grandchildren, Clay Tomerlin, Chase Tomerlin and Clint Tomerlin; daughter Deanne and husband Mike Boden of Andrews, grandchildren Allison Womack, Hannah Squiers, Caleb Lester and Benjamin Lester, Chloe Boden and Chandler Boden; daughter Suzanne Tomerlin of Kerrville, grandchildren Emily Perkins and Sophia Perkins and his great-grandchildren Elijah, Cheyenne and Clementine, plus one great-grandchild due in December.He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Brad Boden.There will be a Catholic Mass and celebration of his life Monday at 1:00pm, Holy Trinity Church in Big Spring by Father Raj, as well as Mass and interment to follow at a later date in San Antonio.Memorials can be made to St. Lawrence Orphanage of India, care of Father Raj, 2400 FM 2401, Garden City, Texas 79739.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory.,
