April 7, 1952 – March 20, 2025
Tom, born in Lubbock, Texas, grew up on the South Plains and developed a lifelong passion for woodturning and metal spinning. His journey with craftsmanship began early and continued throughout his life, shaping both his career and personal pursuits.
After serving overseas with the U.S. Air Force in the early 1970s, Tom returned to West Texas, where he worked with a utility company. However, his true calling lay at the lathe. In 2001, he transitioned to full-time woodturning, creating an impressive array of handcrafted items ranging from pens to porch columns. His signature pieces included hand-threaded boxes—never square—along with turnings featuring secret compartments, captured ring goblets, and baby rattles that fascinated those with inquisitive minds.
Tom was not only a skilled artisan but also a dedicated teacher. He found great joy in sharing his knowledge with individuals and small groups, offering demonstrations that inspired public interest in woodturning. His expertise took him to clubs, art festivals, and turning symposiums across Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Nevada, and New Mexico. His work even gained national recognition when he was featured on *Woodturning Workshop* with host Tim Yoder in episode 408, which aired on PBS on June 23, 2010. The episode continues to be rebroadcast today.
His artistry extended beyond television appearances; Tom’s silver-rimmed mazer was selected as one of the Texas pieces for the 2010 Texas/Ohio Regional Spotlight Gallery of Wood Art in St. Paul, Minnesota. That same year, *Woodturning Design* magazine published an article he wrote about a Christmas ornament he designed—a testament to both his creativity and technical skill.
A proud member of the American Association of Woodturners and two local woodturning clubs, Tom embraced every opportunity to refine his craft. He described himself as a general woodturner with over 40 years of experience and a broad range of turning knowledge. His work incorporated various materials such as alabaster, aluminum, brass, copper, pewter, sterling silver, Corian®, tagua ivory, and more—each piece uniquely blending artistry with function.
Beyond his craftwork, Tom was also a Master Mason—a role that reflected his dedication to tradition and excellence in all aspects of life.
He shared 44 wonderful years with his loving wife Toni Farrell. Their bond was one built on mutual support and admiration. He leaves behind his brother Chris and sister-in-law Janett.
Tom’s legacy lives on through the countless pieces he created and the many people he inspired along the way. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers please donate to South Plains Woodturner’s Club PO Box 65427 Lubbock TX 79464, the Parkinson’s Foundation or Micheal J. Fox Parkinson’s Research Foundation at donations@michaeljfox.org. Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777 New York, NY 10163 US 800-708-7644
A visitation for Tom will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home. A funeral services will occur Friday, March 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Resthaven’s Abbey Chapel, with Rev Josh Puckett officiating, interment with military honors will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park
