Thomas Glenn Smith

Thomas Glenn Smith, 44, of Midland, passed away on Tuesday evening, October 12, 2004, at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas, after a lengthy battle with leukemia. As Paul wrote in II Timothy 4:7:,.."I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith". Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Monday, October 18, 2004, at the First Baptist Church, 2104 Louisiana in Midland, Texas with Dr. Vernon Stokes officiating. The family will receive guests at home on Saturday, October 16, from 7-9pm and also on Sunday, October 17, 2004 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory, 3800 N. Big Spring St.Thomas was born on January 1, 1960, as the first baby of the New Year in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He graduated from Banner County High School in Harrisburg, Ne. in 1978. Tom attended the University of Nebraska for two years then transferred to the University of Wyoming where he graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor's Degree in Petroleum Engineering. Tom began his career working for Petroleum, Inc. in Casper, Wyoming . Tom had fond memories of his first job and his many friends at Petroleum, Inc. He left to pursue independent engineering interests, which gave him the opportunity to live in San Diego, San Francisco, Wichita, Kansas , and finally, in September of 1993, Midland, Texas. At the time of his death, Tom was a Sr. Vice President, Petroleum Engineer, with Western National Bank of the Permian Basin. He was a Registered Engineer in the state of Texas, a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, a member of the American Cancer Society Board, and the Midland Optimist Club. He was also a member of the Ezekiel Sunday School Department at First Baptist Church.Upon his arrival to Midland, Tom met his future wife, Rebecca Suzanne Smith, on a blind date. They were married on January 21, 1995, and they welcomed the arrival of their precious child, Rebecca Caroline Smith on July 5, 1996. Tom's infectious smile and easy going personality endured him to his many friends and family. He loved being with his family, defending his Cornhuskers and "creating memories for Caroline". He was a good son , loving husband, wonderful Father and a steadfast friend. His faith in Christ and his belief of eternal life gave Tom strength and comfort while battling leukemia for the last 6 _ years.Surviving family members include his wife, Suzanne Smith, daughter, Caroline Smith 8, both of Midland, his parents, Charles & Marjorie (Rathman) Smith, of Gering,, Nebraska, hisbrothers and their families, Michael Smith & his wife,Kathy, their children, Shianne Fegler, Autumn, Adam, Tabitha and Brandon, of Gering, Ne., Daniel Smith & his wife, Jackie, their children, Danielle, Riley and Baylen, of Gering, Ne, Mother in Law, Mrs. Jimmy Ray(Judy) Smith, of Big Spring, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law, Nancy and Louis Dunnan, their children, Matthew and Stephanie , of Midland, Brother-in Law, Stephen Ray Smith, his children, Michele and Summer of Big Spring, Texas. He is also survived by aunts and uncles, Phyllis & Glenn Wendt of Goodyear, Arizona, Judy & Jim Stauffer,Harrisburg,, Ne., Catherine & Gordon Fox, Aurora, Co., Jim and Mary Vee Smith ,Longmont, Co. and Dr. Dorothy Purgason, Big Spring, Tx. He is also survived by many cousins. He was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Charles and Helen Smith of Scottsbluff, Ne.and Lester and Jean Rathman of Harrisburg, NE.Pallbearers for the service will be Daniel Smith, Michael Smith, Louis Dunnam, Steve Smith, Matthew Dunnam, Glenn Wendt and Bob Blakenship. Memorials may be made to the Thomas Smith Memorial at Hillander School 1600 W. Wadley, Midland, Tx. or to the Thomas Smith Foundation at MD Anderson Cancer Center, 800-525-5841. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nalley- Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland.,