Tom Jones Sammons, Sr., age 85, of Brady, Texas passed away Thursday, August 23, 2018 in Fredericksburg. He was Papa Tom to his grandkids, Tom to many friends, Bubba to his Mother and childhood buddies, but always Tom Jones to his wife. Tom Jones was born October 24, 1932 in San Angelo, Texas to James Blaine Sammons, Sr. and Bernice (Jones) Sammons. He graduated from Eldorado High School and attended Texas A&M University, earning an undergraduate degree in Agriculture in 1955 and a master’s degree in Education. While at A&M, he was a member the Corp of Cadets serving as the commanding officer of A Quartermaster. Upon graduation, Tom Jones was commissioned into the U.S. Army and stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington, where he was a fixed wing and helicopter pilot. He served as a 1st Lt and Flight Leader of the 57th Transportation Company.
Tom Jones married the love of his life, Mary Lee O’Mealy on March 3, 1956 in San Antonio, Texas. They were life-long members of the Presbyterian Church, serving as deacons and elders and enjoyed singing in the choir. They had many happy years and grand adventures together. His family and being with them was always most important in his life. Together, they enjoyed hunting, shooting sports, fishing, boating, and camping. Tom Jones was an avid reader focusing on Texas Rangers, trail drivers, Texas History, and reloading. He loved making sausage and chili macho (salsa), curing bacon, smoking briskets, turkeys and perfecting the art of really good food, including farm fresh eggs and growing his own vegetables. He was a true farm to table kind of guy.
Constant in his life was ranching, ranging from the Davis Mountains while growing up near Van Horn to McCulloch County and South Texas. Additionally, Tom Jones spent over 20 years teaching chemistry and physics in high school.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Lee Sammons of Brady, Texas; daughter Bernice Lee Washburn (John), and their children Samuel and Jess Washburn; son Tom J. Sammons, Jr. (Luanne) of Brady, Texas and their children Sterling, Luke (Bethany), and Travis (Shay) Sammons; and his youngest son Larry O. Sammons (Camille) of Brady, Texas, and their children, Brandon, Patrick, and Clayton Sammons. Tom Jones was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Jess Koy, and brother, James Blaine Sammons, Jr.
Graveside services, with military honors, for Tom Jones Sammons, Sr. will be held at 10:00am on Friday, August 31, 2018 at Rest Haven Cemetery in Brady with Paden Behrens of Redeemer Brady officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels in Brady.