Thomas M. Campbell

Thomas, known as Tom, was born in San Antonio, Texas, on November 14, 1932. He enjoyed growing up on a dairy farm with his father, John Thomas Campbell, mother, Nora Lee Campbell (née McCullough), younger brother, Douglas Campbell, and younger sister, Carolyn Stewart (née Campbell). Tom attended Jefferson High School and met the love of his life, wife Margaret Elaine Campbell (née Lucchese), during his senior year. He knew that Margaret was “the one” and married her in 1954. Their marriage would last for 69 years until his death.

Tom was a proud Texas A&M University graduate (Aggie), class of 1955. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. While attending A&M, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets (Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps - ROTC). He moved with his wife, Margaret, to Baytown, Texas, where he joined Humble Oil & Refining Company as an engineer. Before joining the company full-time, Tom joined the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, where he worked as a Strategic Air Command (SAC) pilot.

Tom’s patience and ability to remain calm under pressure made him well-suited to piloting mid-air refueling aircraft. During his military service, Tom, Margaret, and their first child, Bonnie, moved to several Air Force bases in Missouri and North Carolina. While serving, Tom flew several missions in North America and internationally over North Africa.

The Air Force honorably discharged Tom as Captain. He, Margaret, and Bonnie moved back to Baytown, Texas, where he began working full-time at Humble Oil & Refining Company, which later became Exxon. His second child, Thomas Mellor Campbell, Jr., was born upon their return, and the family of four settled into their new lives in Baytown.

Tom and his fellow engineers made many essential contributions to Exxon’s Refining Operations. He had fond memories of his Exxon career.

While living in Baytown, Tom became involved with the Baytown Opportunity School for individuals with special needs. For a time, he joined the organization’s board of directors. Tom dedicated his entire life to public service. In his later years, he enjoyed volunteering to read to school children.

Tom “retired” from Exxon in 1981 but decided to consult for refineries in Port Arthur, Texas. He commuted to Port Arthur each week before retiring from his consulting job to run for a position with The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, where he loyally served his constituents. As Margaret was looking forward to spending time with Tom and traveling during their retirement, Tom stepped down from his role in politics. Tom and Margaret loved traveling across America, cruising to the Northeast Coast and Alaska, road trips to Branson, Missouri, and Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Tom continued his love of flying as a private pilot and enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, which never stuck, working on family trees, and tracing his ancestry to English, Scottish, and Irish ancestors as far back as the 1600s. Eventually, he picked up beekeeping and tried his hand as an apiarist. Tom built his beehive from scratch and worked at raising two different hives.

Tom and Margaret loved worshiping the Lord with the Woodland Oaks Church of Christ. There, they had many incredible friends with whom they enjoyed spending time.

Tom is preceded in death by his father, John Thomas Campbell, his mother, Nora Campbell, and his brother, Douglas Campbell.

And he is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, his sister, Carolyn Stewart, and his children, Bonnie Sheeren (husband John) and Tom Campbell, Jr. (wife Roni). He also leaves to cherish his memory several grandchildren, Stephanie Marrone (husband Will), Jenny Wilson (husband Daniel), Caleb Campbell, Ashley Campbell, Collin Campbell, Cayden Gardner, and Colton Gardner. Tom was over the moon when he received news that he would be a great-grandfather to Tessa Treadway (born 8/9/22), Santi Wilson (born 9/10/22), and Isaiah Acosta (arriving in November).

Services for Tom will be Friday, June 16, 2023 at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home located at 18000 I-45 South, The Woodlands, Texas 77384. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Grand Hall. Butch Merriman will officiate. Immediately following the service, he will be laid to rest in the family estate at Forest Park The Woodlands Cemetery.

If any who knew him wish to honor his life and legacy, the family asks that, instead of flowers, you please consider donating to one of Tom’s favorite charities, the Sunny Glen Children’s Home (https://sunnyglen.org/), a group home for vulnerable children. Those who wish to donate to Tom’s memory are also welcome to remember him by donating to a charity of their choosing.

While we say goodbye to his corporeal form, his loved ones know they will join him in God’s glory someday. We love you, Tom (aka Dad, Papa, Grandad).

Please share your fond memories and kind expressions of sympathy for the Campbell family at forestparkthewoodlands.com.

Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.