Tommy Doyle Burleson

On Saturday evening, January 4, 2025, Tommy Doyle Burleson was privileged to see the Lights of Heaven and meet his dear Savior face-to-face. There is also no doubt that he is now reunited with many loved ones who have gone before – none more thrilled to see their boy entering those gates than his Momma and Daddy. Surrounded by his loving family and friends, he spent his last moments reassuring everyone that he would see them on the other side. Tommy was never too shy to share his love for Jesus with anyone who would listen, and it was so obvious that he believed-in and cherished his sweet Lord.

Born on August 16, 1948, in Sherman, Texas, he was the joy of his Mother’s heart. So proud that her little guy could tell the make and model of every car on the road at a very young age, this little man brought her comfort during some of the darkest days of her life. At the age of 17, his family was called to the mission field of Japan, and his mother’s heart broke as the ship sailed without her precious son on board. Separated by a vast ocean for years, his family was thrilled to be reunited after their return - the family made whole once again.

Tommy was a proud “Ma Bell” telephone man, who liked to play golf in years past. He enjoyed settling in with Debbie to watch the Texas Rangers play ball. Over the years, he cultivated many close relationships which lasted throughout his life. He was a true and loving friend to many.

Anyone who knows Tommy knows that he was a master craftsman with perfect attention to detail. If there was a job to be done, you could rest assured that he could do it and that it would be done right. He never hesitated to lend a hand when it was needed.

His younger brother, Jon describes his “hero” as a combination of John Wayne and Elvis Presley. Tough on the outside but soft on the inside, caring deeply for those around him. His sister, Marsha describes her “hero” as her lifetime protector and friend.

Tommy was: husband to Debbie, the love of his life and high-school sweetheart. Loving father to Kimberly, Shannon and Zachary. Big brother to Marsha, Rhonda, Lisa and Jon. “Poppy” to Ryan, Taylor, Katie, Collin, Jacob, Zakary, Ella, and Ivy – and great Grand daddy to Addie, Carson, and Rowan (with two more on the way). Beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Burleson and his father, Tom Burleson.

Thank you to those who have provided so much support and comfort over the past few weeks. Your love and compassion for Tommy and our family is greatly appreciated.

Although our hearts are breaking, we find peace in knowing that we will see him again. So, we say goodbye to this man with the giant personality; a heart of gold; innumerable talents and a lifetime of love. Christmas just won’t be the same at our house without hearing him sing “Blue Christmas”.

You, Sweet Guy, will be dearly missed. We’ll see you on the other side!