Albert Thomas "Tom" Fanning's Obituary
Services for Albert Thomas Fanning (Tom), 73, of Longview, will be held Friday, April 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The rosary will be said at 10:30 followed by Mass at 11:00. A reception will immediately follow the Mass at St. Mary’s Parish Hall. A private burial for family will be at Rosewood Park Cemetery. Tom passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family after a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease with Lewy Body.
Tom Fanning was born in Houston, Texas to Sally and Albert Fanning. Tom graduated from St. Thomas High School in Houston before attending The University of St. Thomas. Tom attended graduate school at The University of Arkansas where he received a doctorate degree in organic chemistry. He married Patricia Angele Schleeter and together they had three children. Tom worked at Indiana University in Bloomington prior to moving to Longview in November of 1973 where he began his thirty-five year career as a chemist for Texas Eastman.
Tom was an active member of St. Mary’s Church and St. Mary’s Home and School Association. He helped establish The Greater Longview Soccer Association where he served as coach and referee for many years. Tom also enjoyed refereeing on the high school and college levels and greatly enjoyed his time on the soccer field. A master gardener, Tom enjoyed spending countless hours in his yard and volunteering his gardening skills. Upon retirement, Tom began volunteering with Longview Community Ministries with particular interest in serving at the Food Box.
Tom is survived by his wife, Angele, daughter Tracey Fanning Shirey and husband John Shirey of Dallas and their two daughters Anna and Margaret Shirey, son Andrew Fanning and wife Lisa of Tallahassee, Florida and their daughter Madison, and son Matthew Fanning and wife Lisa of Huntington Beach, California and their children Andrew, Skylar, and Dylan. Tom is survived by his sister Joan Bohn and her husband Pat Bohn of Houston, nephews Sean Bohn and Mark Bohn and wife Maryanne and daughter Lauren, brother Bob Fanning and wife Debra of Houston and their son Cameron.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Longview Community Ministries, The Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation or charity of your choice.
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