Thomas Dale Hardaway

Thomas Dale Hardaway, 84, of Eunice, New Mexico, passed away in Midland, Texas, at 2pm on Saturday, January 20, 2024, following four months of battling pneumonia and Covid. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 12:00 noon in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, with Pastor Steve Schorr officiating. Thomas Dale was born in Monahans, Ward County, Texas, on November 10, 1939, with his twin sister, Judith Gayle, the second set of twins and the youngest children born to James Houston Hardaway and Maymie Brittain Hardaway. The first set of twins, Donny and Donella, were born to James and Maymie Hardaway on October 15, 1931. Donella died following a car crash on January 26, 2013. Donny is living in Canton, Texas. Throughout Tom’s lifetime, he was close to all five of his brothers and to all three sisters, and especially enjoyed the nephews and nieces, and cousins, emanating from this large family. Tom and his sister, Donella, enjoyed a special camaraderie and many good times while both lived in Eunice, New Mexico. When Donella died unexpectedly in 2013, Tom was devastated since Donella had been his “second mother’ since he was born. Tom grew up working with his dad on the cotton and hay farm south of Pecos, Reeves County, Texas, and later a hay farm in the Knowles community between Lovington and Hobbs, New Mexico. He attended grade school in Pecos, and then completed his High School years at Lovington High School, graduating in 1958. The school bus daily carried several friends back and forth from the Knowles Community into the Lovington schools and that together with the Bethel Baptist Church group spawned friendships that lasted throughout Tom’s life. Tom left the Lovington farm and worked for several different companies in the area, including New Mexico Electric and Southwestern Public Service, out of Hobbs, New Mexico, for 17 years, retiring in 2001 and moving to Eunice to sit by the fire with his dog, now Cindy.

Tom and Lavell Vance married on October 27, 1961, and were blessed with 2 children, 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild to date, named as follows: Jeffrey Todd Hardaway, married to Kelly, have 5 children: Abbie Demmer and spouse Kyle, who has 5 children, Emily Hardaway Wright and spouse Cutter; Mark Sedillo, who has 3 children; Eric Sedillo; Matthew Sedillo who has 6 children and one great, great grandchild. Jena Dale Hardaway Cates, married to Clayton Cates, were blessed also with two children: Clayton “Trey” Cates Ill, and Braelin R Cates. Tom for many years welcomed all siblings and their families at the annual Thanksgiving dinner with Gram and Granddad Hardaway. And he especially loved the annual deer hunts in which Todd and Jena participated.

Tom and his brother Donny, Donella’s twin brother, eight years older than Tom, had a special affinity for each other. He would often say, “I have to go see my brother, Donny”. And Donny would be ready to see Tom, dressing for the visit in much the same way as Tom by donning Levi’s and western shirt, cowboy boots and hat. Tom and Judy’s husband, Charlie McCoy, took a brotherly liking for each other after Judy and Charlie married in 2017 and Tom walked Judy down the aisle at their wedding. Tom was a regular visitor in the McCoy household, and Charlie liked to tell him, “You are always welcome around my campfire”. Tom’s brother, Bob, who was born in 1928 and died at age 91 in 2019, often talked his son, Ray, into driving up to Tom’s for lunch. Tom loved them both and greatly missed them and Ray’s brother, Richard, following each of their untimely deaths. Tom’s brother, Bill, was born in 1924, four years before Bob. Bill was known for his love, kindness, and generosity to the entire family. He visited his Mom and Dad daily after work for example, and he bought the first bicycles for Tom and Judy. Bill died at age 53 in 1978, in an oilfield fire. Tom’s two oldest brothers, Leroy and Jack, and sister, Lois, were were born in 1914, 1917, and 1919 respectively. Leroy died in 1998 at age 83, Jack died in 1988 at age 69, and Lois died in 2007 at age 90. It is an understatement to say these two brothers, their sister and their families, were extremely close throughout their lives. Their love extended to the other brothers and sisters, and especially to the youngest, Tom and Judy. Tom was a resident of Eunice since 2001. He was a 16-year member of Eunice American Legion, and was Commander of the Eunice branch in 2001-2002. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 23, at 12 Noon, at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, 800 West Texas Avenue, Midland, Texas, followed by a reception at the church. Memorial donations may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Midland or to one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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