Thomas Eugene Shook, Sr.

Unknown - May 8th, 2007
  • Birth Date: Unknown
  • Death Date: May 8, 2007
  • Funeral Date: Unknown
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Biography: Thomas Eugene Shook, Sr., died Tuesday, May 8, 2007. He was born in Pasadena, CA, on March 10, 1928, the son of the late John Oliver Shook and Muriel Riddle Shook. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Rice Shook, and his brother, William Shook. He is survived by his adoring wife, Margaret Shook; daughter Linda Marie Shook of Shreveport; son Thomas, Jr., his wife Connie, and their children Meredith, Thomas III, Elizabeth, and Josephine of Richardson, TX; son John Oliver III, his wife Laura, and their children Campbell Grace and Conner Rice of Little Rock; and by his step-daughter, Ann Marie Mohrmann, also of Little Rock. He was raised in Cisco, TX and graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He did graduate work both at Oklahoma State University and at UAMS. Tom was a member of the band and orchestra in school, and his interest in music continued throughout his life. He was a member of Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder and served faithfully on the property committee for many years. Tom retired from the Pine Bluff Arsenal where he was the civilian head of Chemical and Biological Operations for the U.S. Army for twenty years, and then became the head of Environmental Technology for the remainder of his career. He was inducted into the prestigious Sigma Xi Society for original research. He published many scientific papers while working with outstanding names in the field of chemistry. He was an emeritus member of American Chemical Society. Tom’s most recent achievement was becoming a Master Model Railroader, #378. His pioneer spirit was evident in his lifelong love of trains and model railroading. He was a founding member of Arkansas Railroad Club. He was also a member of National Active and Retired Federal Employees, having served two terms as president of the Arkansas Federation of Chapters. He held many offices in his local Chapter #093. More than anything, Tom excelled in his personal relationships. He was first and foremost a husband, father and grandfather, but he also maintained friendships with college friends, as well as making new friends throughout his life. He was a man of principle, faith, and dedication. He was an organ donor through ARORA. Visitation is 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Ruebel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church officiated by Dr. Catherine Allsbury and Dr. Clif Ford. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Walter Walker, Ed Baskin, Mark Sullivan, Ken Moore, Ken Zeigenbein, John Hodken, Jim Ryals, and Randy Gates. Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church, 4401 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. Funeral arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. ~ My life, my love, my everything. ~

Condolences(19)
gerald j crochet
#19
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tom Shook Sr was a very good and kind man.When my son moved to Little Rock to attend Law School Tom and Betty took him in and treated him like a son.This gave my son the start he needed in school and a happy and successful life in Little Rock.My whole famly admired and respected him.Our prayers and sympathy are with Margaret and the family.........Gerald Crochet Sr
Hazel and Jim Horn
#18
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tom lived a full life and touched many people with his goodness. He was a good man and friend.
I am so sad to hear that Tom died. Tom loved by so many as is evident in all of the posts above. I hope God will wrap all of you in his arms and hold you close and bring peace as you go through this difficult time.
Stan and Karen Pirzchalski
#17
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
What joy Tom brought into our lives! The very fabric of life has a rather large hole that will never be filled now that Tom has passed onto his final reward. Margaret, on your last visit to our home, you and Tom gave so much of yourselves in guiding both of us toward achieving our MMR (Master Model Railroader). We were and continue to be so very proud of Tom’s achievement in this great hobby of ours and humbled that he thought so much of us to cheer us on as he continually shared his knowledge. It seems to have been his guiding principal throughout his so very productive life. We can still hear Tom stating how overwhelmed he was with our layout as he encouraged us to go further. Now he can have as large a layout as he wishes and use his many talents in creating a heavenly model empire. We will miss his infectious laugh, good humor, willingness to help, can do attitude and all the many stories of his life. We value your friendship and sincerely hope that you realize you may call on us at any time for whatever reason or need. Rest assured you are in our prayers and will always be a part of our family of model railroaders.
Hardie Matthews
#16
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tommy was one of the finest persons I have ever known. As a Lubbock High School and Texas Tech friend, I had the greatest admiration for him.
He lived with his mother in a hotel, where his she worked. Toomy's teen years weren't easy, but he made the most of eaverything he did. As an example, I remember him working at the bus station there in Lubbock; he had everything organized and all functioned around that teenager. At a distance, I watched and marveled at his organizational, teenage skills.
In Lubbock High School and Texas Tech, he succesed in whatever he was involved in. I just wish that I had kept in contact with Tommy. All the wonderful things I read in the comments by his adult friends, I well understand. He was an outsanding person as a teenager, and as an adult his accomplishments were those that I can appreciate even more.
Daryl Stout
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Although I didn't know Tom that well, it was always a pleasure to hear him "talk of his trains". His work with the Arkansas Railroad Club was invaluable. I extend my condolences to his family...and can understand what they're going through...my wife passed away on April 27, 2007.
Giles Carter
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tommy didn't have a mean bone in his body. His good humor was always appreciated, even when we argued politics (when I had my tonsils out at age 19, Tommy visited me and argued politics--my throat was too sore to answer him, but I still chuckle over this incident!).
Frank and Frances Pitts
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Margaret,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you.
Frank and Frances Pitts
Elaine Colclasure
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Susan, Sharon, Holly and I send our deepest
sympathy to all the family. We lived next door for so many years. I am sorry I can't be there
today but I am in chicago for my brother's funeral. We will all be thinking of you.
Dolores Ost
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tom's many accomplishments in this life are awesome....and, I know he, like Charlie, my husband, is going on, succeeding in every endeavor he undertakes. The day Tom passed on, May 8, is the same date as my husband's birthday.
Marcelline Giroir
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I hadn't seen Tom since the early '60s, but my memories of him are of a gently, stately gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Helen Rice
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
This man could light up any room with his smile and could warm any heart with his goodness. He was so young-at-heart, accepting, and kind beyond words - he is my favorite uncle!
Lynn & Elizabeth Gaines
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tom was a special person. We had been friends for 45 plus years. He will be missed.
Rick and Robyn Baugh
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tom was a great guy, early in my college years he adopted me as another son. He could always make you laugh, even if you weren't having the best day.

I still can hear his laugh and that makes me smile. The world just lost another great man, and there aren't many left. Rick
Ron and Betty Moore
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tom was a good friend and a wonderful person. We are sorry he is gone. Our thoughts and prayers go out to a loving wife Margaret and family. We shall
miss him.
Rayburn Metcalfe
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tommy Shook's many friends must all share fond memories, brimful of his lively humor and goodwill.
Charles and Nina Nony
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are deeply saddened and sympathize with you Margaret. Tom was a Prince of a man- Here's to the Marriage Feast to come.
Jimmy Burgess
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tommy was a good friend for the sixty years that I knew him. We had many great times together. I know he will be dearly missed. Jimmy Burgess
Hubert and Jo Anne Burgess
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Tommy was a dear friend for some 60 years. The many laughs and good times spent together will live with us always.
André Strydom
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
A very special man who will be greatly missed. Much love to Margaret and the family.

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