Thomas Nelson Menefee, Jr

Thomas Nelson Menefee Jr. passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The oldest child of T.N. and Artie Mae Menefee, Tom was born in his grandparent’s home near Mexia, Texas on October 25, 1930. He graduated from Louise High School where he met the love of his life, Virginia, whom he married in 1950. After being stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky while serving in the army during the Korean war, Tom and Virginia settled in Pasadena, Texas where Tom worked for Shell Chemical for over 30 years. In 1999, they moved from Pasadena to Damon Texas where he lived till his death.

Tom was proceeded in death by his wife of 75 years, Virginia, his parents, and his sister and brother-in-law Joe Ann and Edwin Polasek.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and Robert White, daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Steve Matlock, son and daughter-in-law Thomas and Donna Menefee; grandchildren and their spouses Carrie and Chance Rushing, Kate and Casey Graham, Jennifer and Derek Hissam, Nathan and Amber Menefee, Carol and Anson Hargadine; Great Grandchildren Hayden, Amos, Mollee and Marshal Rushing, Reese and Macey Graham, Evelyn Hissam, and Emet and Aletheia Menefee. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law David and Cynthia Menefee, sister Jane Barclay, and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.

While living in Pasadena, Tom and Virginia helped found Parkwood United Methodist Church where Tom was very involved in church administration, was a strong supporter of missions and helped teach Sunday School. After moving to Damon in 1999 they joined the Columbia Methodist Church where Tom regularly attended the Men’s Sunday School class until his health no longer permitted.

Tom loved hunting and fishing. While still in high school he began bee keeping, inspiring the next generations to bee keep. He loved genealogy and making large family trees for reunions. He and Virginia loved to travel, especially in their motor home, driving to Alaska, traveling the Oregan trail and taking grandkids to Disney World, the beach and elsewhere.

A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Tom will be greatly missed by family and friends.