Thomas Connel Goble

Thomas Connel Goble of Abilene, Texas died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on February 5, 2018 after a yearlong battle with lung cancer.

He was born at home in Clyde, Texas on December 6, 1939 to Herman and Thelma (Connel) Goble.  The second of five children, raised mostly in Baird and Clyde and attending Clyde schools until his graduation in 1959.  Raised in a hardworking family, it was in his youth where he began his strong work ethic and knowledge of how to fix most anything he put his mind to.

On September 10, 1960, he married Lynda Eager Goble, a young woman he had known most of his life, their families attending the same small church in Clyde.  Soon after high school, Tom joined the Army where he served from 1960-1966.   Tom was a Missile Launcher Operator and held secret clearance; achieving recognition for outstanding performance in his Unit.  In 1978, he briefly reenlisted in the Army National Guard.  He often told the story that when he finished his time in the Army, his Sergeant asked, “Do you want to be a fireman or a police officer?”  Tom chose to join the Abilene Fire Department and he loved his profession and fellow firefighters.

His 27-year career with the Abilene Fire Department allowed him to serve in several roles including Master Fire Fighter, Master Fire Investigator, Master Fire and Arson Investigator and Fire Marshall.  Tom held an Associate of Fire Science Degree from Cisco Junior College and completed course work at the National Fire Academy.  Always a prankster, it was in the fire bunks where his most creative jokes occurred.  After his retirement from the Abilene Fire Department in 1990, it was not long before he needed to get back to work.

As a firefighter, he would spend his days off building and remodeling homes and businesses.  A few of his many talents and employment include machinist, welder, auto body repair, mechanic, plumber, carpenter and college instructor.  Working with his hands, creating, building, wood-work and gardening was Tom’s art.  He was able to use these talents in his various post-retirement jobs, which included homebuilder and project manager for Paul Johnson Realty.  One of his true loves was using his gifts to care for his church.  Tom served his church, Southern Hills Church of Christ, in both volunteer and paid positions for over 50 years.  After his final retirement in December 2016 as Facility Manager, Southern Hills Church of Christ, named the “Tom Goble Maintenance Building” in his honor.

In 1999, Tom attended a Walk to Emmaus.  It was this experience where he came to know that God loved him unconditionally and had pursued him his entire life.  With this knowledge, he was passionate about sharing this with others.  He volunteered for countless Walks to Emmaus and he loved serving the men in the Kairos Prison Ministry.

Tom thrived in nature and loved hunting and fishing.  He felt the most alive in solitude on a certain mountain in Nolan County, where he would “kick rocks” and spend time in the presence of God.  Tom faced death unafraid; ready to meet Jesus on a mountain he received a vision of only a few months before his death.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Stephen Lee Goble.  Also preceding are his in-laws Merwin and Georgia (Tedford) Eager.  Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Lynda Eager Goble, daughter n’ law Pam McCombs and husband Larry; daughters VaLynda Miller and husband Chuck and Aimee Colley and husband Scot.  Grandchildren Stephenee Goble Miller and husband Miles, Paatan Goble Gailey and husband Brad, Chanda Miller and boyfriend Drey Richards, Devin Colley, Jakeb Miller and wife Leslie, Connel Colley and Gavin Colley.  Great-Grandchildren, who he loved to watch play and was heartbroken to leave, Mason Miller, McCray Miller, Laramee Gailey, Marlee Miller and Lane Miller.  Siblings and their families Jack and Donna Goble, Linnie and Charles Branton, Cheri Gai (Chiggy) and Mike Cato and Joy Norris as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.  Tom is also survived by his in-laws, who he loved like siblings, Cecil and wife Judi Eager and Brenda and husband John Baker.

We are grateful to many for the care he received this last year including Hendrick Hospice Care, Dr. Ning and the Hendrick Cancer Center and Dr. Preston Pate.  His doctors gave him the gift of honesty, which allowed him to spend his final weeks in his home with family.  In memory of Tom, his family asks that you do a humble, silent, behind the scenes good deed, just as he was known for.

Serving as pallbearers are Larry McCombs, Chuck Miller, Scot Colley, Chris Tollett, Miles Miller, Brad Gailey, Drey Richards and Jakeb Miller.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Piersall Funeral Home, 733 Butternut St.  Funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, February 8 at 1:00 pm at Southern Hills Church, 3666 Buffalo Gap Road.  A private burial will follow at the Clyde Cemetery.

“Go Rest High on that Mountain”