Thomas Ransom Scott

Tom Scott of Midland, Texas died on February 1, 2026. Tom was born in Houston, Texas on January 31, 1934, to Mary Alice Ransom and Earle Hester Scott and was raised in Richmond, Texas. Following the marriage of his mother to Stephen S. Perry Jr. in 1946, the family moved to and lived on their ranch on Allen Dome along the banks of the San Bernard River in Brazoria, County Texas.  Tom graduated from Freeport High School at the top of his class in 1951. During high school, Tom was a member of the slide-rule club and excelled in the debate club. Following graduation, Tom attended The Rice Institute in Houston Texas, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Chemistry. Furthering his education, he attended The University of Texas in Austin, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Laws Degree. In law school, Tom was honored as a member of The Order of the Coif, The Chancellors, Phi Theta Phi, and the Texas Law Review.

After law school, Tom married Laura Shea on October 18, 1958, in San Antonio, Texas.

Tom began his legal career with Phillips Petroleum in Amarillo before joining Maurice Bullock in private practice in Fort Stockton, Texas. Tom went on to move and continue working with Maurice in Midland in 1966, helping to build and establish the law firm Bullock, Scott, Neisig and Owens. Tom was a founding member of the Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Specialty Section of the State Bar of Texas. He was an active member of the Petroleum Club of Midland for many years, serving as its President in 2003/2004; Tom was also a member of the Midland Exchange Club.

Tom was a fifth-generation Texan, a descendant of Alexander Hodge, one of the “Old 300” settlers who immigrated to Texas as part of Stephen F. Austin’s colony. Tom loved all-things-Texas and embodied everything good one finds in Texans.  As a lawyer he would tell you to put your agreements in writing, but in dealing with him his word was his bond. He was loyal and could be counted on to come to the aid of his family and friends. Throughout his life, Tom demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service. His legal career was highlighted in 1966 by having the privilege of representing a client in arguing a case before The Supreme Court of the United States of America in Washington D.C.  Tom performed much pro-bono work and many worthy community endeavors. Tom was deeply committed to supporting and mentoring young people. Tom and his family hosted several AFS exchange students, maintaining close relationships with them and their families throughout his life. At one point an exchange student was determined to need a host family mid-school year – Tom and Laura immediately stepped up and welcomed them into their home as well. Tom was very active in the YMCA, to include the “Indian Guides” program, mentoring son Sam, grandson Daniel, as well as a godson over the years.

Tom was an avid runner and cyclist, and loved swimming especially at Surfside Beach Freeport Texas, in Barton Springs in Austin, as well as the natural springs of Balmorhea State Park. Tom and his family loved camping and hiking with friends in the Davis Mountains of west Texas. One summer Tom led Sam’s Boy Scout Troop No. 333 on a week-long hiking venture into the Pecos Wilderness area in northern New Mexico. Tom and the whole family delighted in decades of enjoyment at Camp Davis Family Camp also in northern New Mexico, on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Laura, his loving wife of 67 years, his three children and their spouses: daughter Evelyn and husband Richard Dearstyne, son Sam and wife Leanne Scott, daughter Eleanor and husband Ken Sheldon, and his grandchildren – Daniel Dyer Scott and wife Megan, Richard Dearstyne, Jr. and family, Sarah Alana Scott, William Read Scott and wife Mari, Helen Grace Scott, and Jessica Lauren Sheldon, and his two great-grandchildren – Ivy London Ann and

Baxter Graeme Scott, children of Daniel and Megan. He is also survived by his brother Stephen S. Perry, III and sister Emily Perry Ward, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom was a devoted member of Christ Church Anglican Parish. A memorial service will be held there on Saturday, February 28, at 10:00AM, 5501 N Midkiff Road, Midland, TX 79705. Tom will be buried in the Ransom Family plot in Morton Cemetery, Richmond, Texas, at a future date.  Memories and condolences may be offered online through Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.

The family of Tom would like to thank the staff, all the nurses and aids of Manor Park’s Scharbauer Cottage, for their professional care and tireless energy devoted to Tom. Their humor and kindness meeting the needs of Tom – as well as Laura when she would visit and encourage Tom daily – was especially appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts or donations be made to Christ Church Anglican, Hospice of Midland, or a charity of your choosing.

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