OZONA - Tom Hoggard died Aug. 25, 2022 at his home in Ozona. He was born on Dec. 26, 1953, in Lamesa. He attended elementary school in Stanton, and later attended High School in Coahoma. Hiss adoptive father, Jett Hoggard and his mother, Mary Sue Hoggard, managed cotton gins in Mission, Stanton, and Big Spring. As a young boy, he worked beside his parents at the gin and was involved in the seasonal operation of the cotton gin developing many skills he would use the rest of his life.
He would tell everyone that he had a full time job since he was 6 years old! Even in elementary school, he would 'fire' an occasional gin hand if according to him he 'aggravated him'. He would go to his mom for a bank check, sign his first name, hand it to the gin hand and tell him 'you're fired...'. With much laughter the gin hand would return to work.
As a teenager, he moved irrigation pipe and did cowboy day work for local ranchers. He hauled his horse in a trailer he pulled behind a pickup he bought for himself when he was 12 years old. He showed paint horses and rode bulls in high school.
In 1971, he married Gwen Moore in Coahoma, Texas. Together they raised two sons, Thomas and Toby.
During that time he worked for his parents in a family excavation company. From there, he went to work for LG Nix supervising work at the Fina Oil Refinery (formerly Cosden) in Big Spring, Texas. He was known for being a good supervisor as well as one of the best heavy equipment operators in his area.
In 1995, he married Pam Perry, who had moved to Texas to work at the Fina Oil Refinery with her three daughters. They resided in Big Spring for about 10 years. He later went to work for Huntsman in Odessa, Texas for approximately 10 years. Then he went to work for S&B Engineering based in Houston, Texas.
Later, he started his own consulting company called Extramile Excavation overseeing projects for DKM Contracting, of Tyler and Saulsbury Industries, in Odessa. He considered it a privilege to oversee the construction of petrochemical plants, compressor stations and refinery expansions in California, Louisiana, Colorado, Wyoming and all over Texas. He worked his way through the ranks starting as a heavy equipment operator to the top dog on many multi million dollar job sites.
He had much respect and gratitude to the men who trusted his expertise and gave him the opportunity to contribute to building the infrastructure that supports the US Oil Industry. He wrapped up his career working for Saulsbury Industries.
He also believed in 'training his replacement'. When He saw dedication and potential he considered it his responsibility to come along side that young man and mentor him. He supervised hundreds of men and women from all backgrounds and parts of the world. He treated the people whom he was responsible for with respect and concern for their safety so all could return home to their families after work was completed.
Prior to his retirement, he and Pam purchased a ranch in Ozona. He and his best friend, Bullet a German Shepherd, spent many happy days on the ranch enjoying the beautiful scenery of the area south of Ozona.
He and his wife Pam had many adventures in their 27 years of marriage. He loved his wife, his family, his friends and loved sharing stories about them. The best thing about getting old together was he and Pam sharing grandkids and making memories with family.
He was one of a kind. He was old school in a modern time. He loved God and was a follower of Jesus. He will not be forgotten. As written in a line from his favorite movie Lonesome Dove...He was 'Cheerful in all weather... never shirked a task... splendid behavior'.
He is survived by his wife Pam; Son Dr. Thomas (Nadia) Bening; grandsons Mason, Knox, Pike, and Brix;
Victoria; Daughter Christy (Joel) Dillingham; Grandson: Tate; Granddaughter Carolyn; Daughter: Mary (Mitch) Kohout; Grandson: James, Christian (Gabbie) Winger; Great-Grandson Landon;
Great-Granddaughter
Lennon Rose; Daughter Chelsea (Aaron) Silbernagel; Grandson Aidan Franco and Granddaughter Aeva
Franco. Sisters Tonita Bennett and family and Deborah
Pearce and family.