Thomas McLain Spell

`Thomas McLain Spell, Jr. DAINGERFIELD - Thomas McLain (Papa Tom) Spell Jr. was born December 7, 1930 in Stephenville, TX to Thomas and Viola Spell. He passed peacefully from this earth Sunday June 24 in Ft. Worth, Texas. He was 81 years old. He spent all of his school years in Stephenville and played football for the Yellowjackets. He played football at Tarleton State his freshman year. He joined the army in 1951 and graduated boot camp in Ft. Benning, Georgia rising to the rank of Second Lieutenant during theKorean conflict. He then went on North Texas State where he received a Bachelors and Masters degree in physical education and administration. He met the love of his life,Martha Ogburn Spell, while attending North Texas State sharing a textbook in Education . He said "he didn't have the textbook and asked if they could study together." They eloped on September 16, 1955. Tom and Martha have 4 children, Kirsten, Leigh, Andy and Tracey whom Tomloved and cherished since from the day they were born. Tom was also blessed with5 grandsons, Blake, Derek, Bryce, Ethan and Corbin and 3 granddaughters, Brittni, Lynzee, and Madelynn and great grandson, Braydon and great granddaughter Bailee. His grands were his pride and joy. He served school districts in Era, Forsan, Weslaco, Progresso and Coahoma ascoach, principal and superintendent. He was well loved by thousands of studentsthrough the years. He had privilege of designing an elementary school in Coahoma, TX. He loved announcing the track meets at Coahoma ISD, He was a long time memberof the Lions Club serving as President for two different chapters. He was instrumental in collecting eye glasses and vision screening for children. He also worked with childrenhelping them attend Texas Lions Camp for children with disabilities. In retirement heloved traveling with Martha. His favorite trips were to Yellowstone, Washington DCand Alaska. He was a member of the ROMEO (retired old men eating out) coffee clubat Daingerfield Church of Christ. Tom and Martha were member of Daingerfield Churchof Christ. They loved socializing and solving the world's problems over coffee andserving the community of Daingerfield. He a fantastic sense of humor and made hisfamily laugh often at his own expense. Papa Tom loved playing video games with his kids and grandkids! He loved wood working and all of his families have pieces that hemade for them to treasure. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Viola Spell, sisters, Hildegaurd Fortenberry and Jean Spell. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Martha; daughters and sons in law,Kirsten and Forrest Herndon, Leigh and Dan Hockenbrough, Tracey and JamesHoward, son and daughter in law, Andy andCheryl Spell, sister, Gloria Spell, grand-children, Blake and Derek Hockenbrough, Bryce and Michelle Herndon, Brittni andLynzee Herndon and Ethan, Madelynn and Corbin Spell, great grandchildren, BraydenHockenbrough and Bailee Herndon, niece, Karen Watson and husband Harry, grand-niece, Katy Luna, cousin Jo McAlister. Special thanks to Grapevine Davita and Bethany Home Health Care.Tom's service will be at 10:00 AM Friday June 29 at the Daingerfield Church ofChrist with Tim Gibbs, Norman Miller and Andy Spell officiating. Burial will beIn Oakwood Cemetery in Jefferson under the direction of Nail-Haggard FuneralHome in Daingerfield. Visitation will be at 6 PM Thursday June 28 at Nail-Haggard Funeral HomeDaingerfield.Donations can be made in Tom's name to, Arms of Hope Ministries, 21300HWY 16 N Medina, TX 78055.