Tom L. Bambrick

Tom L. Bambrick, of San Marcos, Texas, beloved and cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, September 3, 2010, at the age of 88.  He was born the son of Tavy and Bessie (Wolford) Bambrick, in Houston, Texas on August 29, 1922.

Tom graduated from Jeff Davis High School in Houston, Texas. He attended Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La.  and was all conference on the 1942 championship football team.  He married Juanita Craig on May 8, 1943 in Natchitoches, La. and their marriage was a testimony to friends and family for 67 years.  Tom joined the United States Marine Corp in May of 1943 and served as a First Lieutenant with the 6^th Marine Division on Okinawa during World War II, the Cold War in Northern China and the Korean Conflict.  When he returned from the war, he served as the first athletic director and first football coach with the Spring Branch School District. Later, he also served as head coach and athletic director in LaGrange, Texas. Tom and Juanita came to San Marcos in 1965 where he went to work for the Gary Job Corps and completed his career at San Marcos High School.

Tom was a man of God.  He enjoyed his family, golfing, fishing, hunting, and keeping up his yard.  Throughout the years he was known as Mr. “fix-it” and was always willing to come to the rescue when others needed help.  He was not only the best Papaw but the “hero” of all his grandchildren.

Tom’s parents and two sisters preceded him in death.  He is survived by his wife, Juanita Craig Bambrick; son, Tommy Bambrick and wife Klare of Houston; Donna Riefkohl and husband, Rief of Bellville, Texas; grandchildren, Roxy Riefkohl of Katy, Matt Riefkohl of Richmond, Lily Riemer and husband, Will of Dallas and Tyler Bambrick of WestPoint, NY; great granddaughter, Abigail Riemer and nieces, Sharon Goodman and husband James, of Groveton and Sherry Antonio and husband Hero of Houston.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s name may be made to The First United Methodist Church, 129 West Hutchison, San Marcos, Texas 78666.

Graveside services will be held 10:30 A.M., Thursday, September 9, 2010 at the Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.  A Celebration of Tom’s life will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 10, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church of San Marcos.

Arrangements under the care and guidance of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, Texas 78666, 512-353-4311.  Obituary and guestbook online at www.penningtonfuneralhome.com

8 Condolences

• Marilyn Majors Nwaokobia

  September 7th, 2010 on 3:25 pm

  Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this time of sadness.
  Remember God is always in your corner at a time like this.
  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  Marilyn Majors Nwaokobia (SRS 1975)

• Abby Johnston

  September 7th, 2010 on 6:25 pm

  May Jesus comfort you at this difficult time.
  Mr Bambrick was my DE teacher at SMHS. Hewas like a father to me and I loved him very very much!! He was kind, gentle, loving and helped me thru some very difficult times. What a WONDERFUL man and he will be missed terribly! I hope Jesus is cradling him in his arms. I’m sorry for your loss. Love, Abby

• Wes and Debbie Wallis

  September 8th, 2010 on 4:45 am

  Mrs. Bambrick,

  May you and your family find comfort at this time of sorrow. We will keep you in our prayers. Please call if you need anything.

• Susan Cowen

  September 8th, 2010 on 6:24 pm

  Nita, you have been such a great role model for me and a wonderful friend in the christian faith. Thank you for your wonderful guidance and my very sincere condolences.

  I can only imagine how you must feel, but Tom is in a great, beautiful place.
  love to you, Susan

• Doris Dietert

  September 8th, 2010 on 9:45 pm

  Juanita, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and give you peace. Doris Dietert

• Ethel Hodges

  September 9th, 2010 on 1:02 am

  I am sorry for your loss. May God help you through this time of grief yet thanksgiving for a life well lived.

• Johnny Roberts

  September 10th, 2010 on 1:51 pm

  Mrs. Bambrick,
  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers over the loss of Tom. He was a wonderful man and I had many great times with him on the golf course. I will truly miss him.
  Sincerely,
  Johnny Roberts

• Phyllis and Lon Shell

  September 18th, 2010 on 7:22 pm

  Nita,
  You are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom was a wonderful Christian and a true gentleman. He will be missed by many.
  We love you.

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