Tom Mcnew

Thomas Cole McNew, 75, of Fort Worth, passed away Friday, June 7th after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Tom was born Aug 31, 1943 in Carthage, MO to Betty Cole and Gerald McNew. He attended school in Carthage, MO and Abilene, TX.

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy and served as a radioman on the USS Providence. During the Vietnam War, Tom was assigned to support a US Marine landing force, during which time he was exposed to Agent Orange which was the primary cause of his Parkinson’s. After Vietnam, he was reassigned to the Great Lakes Naval Station, in Chicago. Upon completion of his US Navy tour, Tom remained and worked in Chicago. It was during this time, that he met the love of his life, Lynn Anne Clark. They were married on August 20,1966 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamilton, IL. While working in Chicago, the couple were blessed with their first son, Thomas Clark. Under employment of Bradner Smith Paper Co, Tom was transferred to Peoria, IL where two additional children Tamara Lynn and Timothy Sean were born.

In 1971, the couple moved to Lubbock, TX where Tom began working as traveling salesman with his step-father. Tom’s commitment to education was realized when he decided to return to school to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Texas Tech University. Tom then taught high school math and science and coached multiple sports. Tom’s teaching career started at Cotton Center ISD, then continued at Olfen ISD – as the Principal and Superintendent. He also taught at Nueces Canyon ISD and Brackettville ISD. In addition to his Bachelor’s degree, he earned his Master degree in Education at West Texas State University in Canyon.

Tom was an avid golfer and was often seen building clubs for the members of the golf teams he coached. He also taught all three of his children and most of his grandchildren how to play the game he loved. When Tom and Lynn retired after 30+ years of teaching, they settled on Fort Clark Springs, in Brackettville, TX. There – in addition to playing golf 4-5 times a week – Tom was active in the Old Quarry Society, as the technical director for many of their community productions. He was also a member of the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Disabled American Veterans, and a life member of the American Legion. In 2014 Tom & Lynn moved to Fort Worth and joined St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Tom continued to play golf and participate in American Legion and Knights of Columbus events until his health prevented him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald, Sr & Verna McNew, Harold & Betty Inman, and his in-laws Loren and LaVena Clark, a step-brother, Harold Inman, Jr, and a step-sister, Mary Beth Smart. Survivors include his wife, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Clark McNew (wife, Anne Marie), Tamara Wilkinson (Erik), Timothy Sean (Jenny). His pride and joy were his 12 grandchildren; Shannon DeSandro (Norm), Caleb McNew (Juliet), Caitlyn Laster, Emma Harrison (Austin), Aaron Wilkinson, Patrick McNew, Riley McNew, Hudson McNew. He is also survived by his great grand-children Kinleigh DeSandro and Ruby McNew; his brother Gerald G. McNew, Jr.; half-sister, Sharon Covington, and half-brother, Richard Inman; as well as 3 step-brothers and step-sisters: Glen Stark, Judy Geissen, Margaret Bartlet.

Friends and Family are invited to a public visitation and Rosary on Thursday, June 13, 2019 beginning at 6pm at Lucas Funeral Home, 1601 South Main Street, Keller, Texas. A funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 2pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2016 Willis Lane, Keller, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations be made to the following charitable organizations: Armor of God Catholic Radio, PO Box 391, Copperas Cove, TX 76522; the National Parkinson’s Foundation; and/or Opera in the Ozarks, Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony, Eureka Springs, Arkansas.