T.H. Russom

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, T. H. Russom drew his last breath on this earth and his first in his home eternal.  T. H., more affectionately known by just plain T, Mr. T, Uncle T, Dad and the one he treasured most GRANDADDY, was born at home on March 17, 1930, to Aria Nettie and Jessie Franklin Russom in Mulberry Canyon, Taylor County, Texas.

T.H.’s childhood growing up in the country was full of adventure and mischief with one or several of his many cousins and friends always willing to join in.  He attended school in Blair and Merkel, Texas where he was a proud member of the Badgers football team.

T.H. was called into military service in 1951 and served his country in Germany until 1953.  Upon his return home he set his eyes on a smart and sassy Merkel girl five years his junior.  After a short courtship T.H. and Frances Vernell McLean married on February 18, 1954.  T.H. was hired by Humble (now Exxon) in 1956 and moved them to Eunice, NM.  Their home was soon filled with the sounds of chaos and happiness as they were joined by their three children: Mark (1956), Kristi (1959) and Scott (1961).

In 1965, T.H. and his family were transferred to the Humble Midkiff, TX. camp where T.H. continued his electrical career until his retirement in 1992.  Several years after his retirement, T.H. had a second career as a crossing guard at the intersection near his home.  The children and families he served in this capacity loved him and brought him great joy and kept him feeling young.

T.H. loved fishing, hunting and camping with his friends and family and travelling the United States with the many lifelong friends he and Vernell made everywhere they went.  His greatest pleasures were attending his grandchildren’s events and activities.  No football, baseball or soccer game was ever too hot or too cold to prevent him from cheering them on.

T.H. is survived by his wife of 70 years, Vernell; his son, Mark (Tonia) their children Cristi Savage (Steve) and Wade (Jennifer); his daughter, Kristi Edwards (Kelly) and their children Matt (Lauren), Kelton (Amanda) and Cole; and his brother-in-law Mike McLean.  He is also survived by 10 great grandchildren, with one on the way, and numerous much-loved nieces and nephews.

T.H. is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Maggie Lorene Russom and his brother O. B. Russom.  The greatest tragedy of T.H.’s life was the loss of his beloved son Scott at the age of 17 in 1979.

A memorial service will be held on Friday March 29, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Alamo Heights Baptist Church located at 1305 Midland Dr., Midland, Texas.

The family would like to express their immense gratitude to Dr. P.K. Patel, Dr. P.J. Patel and their staff; the 5^th and 7^th floor nurses at Midland Memorial Hospital for their outstanding care of our dad and our family; Hospice of Midland for their gentle guidance as we moved into that space and the many friends and family who held us up in prayer.

Memorial donations may be made to Alamo Heights Baptist Church 1305 Midland Dr. 79703, Centers for Children and Families 3701 Andrews Hwy. 79701 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  On-line condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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