IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Tommie Joe

Tommie Joe Rainwater Profile Photo

Rainwater

February 4, 1930 – February 5, 2025

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tommie (Tom) Rainwater at the age of 95. He lived a long, joyful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends.

Tom was a devoted husband to Phyllis, the love of his life for 48 years, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, camping adventures with family, playing guitar, and caring for his plants. However, his greatest joy was spending quality time with his grandchildren, sharing stories and his love. His kindness, positivity, and unwavering support left an impact that touched the lives of the ones that knew him.

Born in Vernon, Texas, Tom started his life centered around hard work on the family farm.  When called, he went on to serve our country in Korea in the Air Force, his unit receiving the Presidential Unit Citation. Upon returning to civilian life, he started a career with Oscar Mayer in Los Angeles, California. He moved back to Texas in the 70's to help open the new Oscar Mayer plant in Sherman, where he retired after 30 years.

He is survived by his children Kathy VanGrol (husband Doug), Steve Riffle (wife Jane), Tom Riffle, Jan Thompson, Jami Derzapf (husband Randy), and his many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Phyllis Rainwater, his brother Gene Rainwater, and his sister Peggy Smith.

Tom was always present, offering words of encouragement, sharing a warm smile, or simply being there when needed. Tom's legacy of love, kindness, and positivity will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Tom was a Christian, attending Westwood Village Church of Christ.

A memorial service will be held at Waldo Funeral Home on Wednesday, February, 12th at 2:00 pm. A burial with honors will be held at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery on Thursday, February, 13th at 9:00 am.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Tommie Joe Rainwater, please visit our flower store.

Services

Memorial Service

Calendar
February
12

Starts at 2:00 pm

Burial with Honors

Calendar
February
13

Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery

, Sherman, TX

Starts at 9:00 am

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