Tom is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Shellshear of Spring, Texas; his children Marc Shellshear of Longwood, Florida and Cindy Scobee of New Braunfels, Texas; and his six grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Doris Shellshear of Ivanhoe, Texas.
Tom was born in Bunkie, Louisiana on July 12, 1940, to Tom and Doris Shellshear. He attended the University of Texas, South Texas University and the Air Command and Staff College. Tom’s journey in the military started in 1962 as an airman where he served as an Administrative Specialist. He had a stellar 33-year career in the military as he progressed from an entry level enlisted serviceman to a colonel serving as the Base Commander at Ellington Air Force Base. He oversaw the day to day operations of the base ensuring compliance with all military standards. He had the privilege of greeting U.S. presidents and numerous heads of state and dignitaries from other countries. He also served as Chief of Personnel, Chief of Administration, and president of the National Guard Association of Texas – a 40,000-member organization. Tom was ranked in the top 5% of the nation by the National Guard Bureau as a military commander. He and Rosemarie were married on October 25th, 1980, and recently celebrated 38 years of marriage. He is remembered by friends and family as a man who led and served others, who loved Jesus and others well, and who always had a smile and a kind word for everyone.
In addition to his career in the military, Tom was active at Grace Church. He was in charge of coordinating the usher ministry, formulating the security team, and after his retirement from the military he served as Director of Facility Development, overseeing the construction and development of both the Woodlands and Houston campuses. Tom enjoyed hunting, water sports, working in the yard, going to movies and restaurants, and cooking for his family.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Friday, November 16th, 2018, at 10:00 am at Grace Woodlands Church located at 24400 Interstate Hwy 45, The Woodlands, Texas. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tom’s life. Flowers may be sent to Grace Woodlands Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Star of Hope Mission or the American Bible Society.
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