Tommy Wayne Van, known as “TV” by those close to him, died at the age of 69 on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at his home in The Woodands, Texas. Tommy was born to Talmadge (Tommy) and Willie Van on June 25, 1953, in Stamford, Texas. He grew up in and around Midland, Texas. On August 1, 1980, he married the love of his life, Robbie, in an “Urban Cowboy” style wedding at the Stardust Club where they had met. Their dancing skills landed them a part in the move Waltz Across Texas.
Tommy loved being around people, making his 50-year career in the Oil & Gas industry fulfilling. He could tell stories with the best of them. He had a heart as big as all outdoors and loved his family dearly. Tommy excelled in numerous sports. When he was learning to play baseball, his grandfather advised him to just “hit the ball hard”. And did he ever heed that advice, applying it to softball, golf, and soccer. Additionally, Tommy enjoyed shooting skeet with customers and friends, riding his Harley, taking naps, visiting with neighbors, and travelling with Robbie. One of the highlights he remembered fondly was when his Golf Course Road softball team won the National Class A Championship Softball Tournament in 1994 in Montgomery, Alabama. His championship ring never left his finger.
Survivors include his wife, Robbie, of The Woodlands, Texas; his children, Tommy Van Jr. and his wife, Rachel, of Melbourne, Florida; Rhonda Shumake and her husband, Cody, of Midland, Texas; James Goble and his wife, Caleen, of Richmond, Texas; and Jamie Farrington of Oklahoma; his sister, Linda Strain and her husband, Oscar, of Midland, Texas; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was quite a character, and his memory will linger with all who knew and loved him. Any contributions to his memory may be made to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/donate.
Please share your fond memories and kind expressions of sympathy for the Van family by visiting www.forestparkthewoodlands.com.
Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.
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