10 years ago

Thomas Andrew “T.A.” Hayhurst, 87, formerly of Tulia, died Oct. 12, 2013 in Plano, Texas.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date with arrangements by Ted Dickey Funeral Home of Plano.

Born in Vernon, Texas on March 21, 1926, to Temple and Clara (Jones) Hayhurst, he was the oldest of nine children. T.A. joined the Navy in January 1944 and served on the U.S.S. Barnes. He was discharged on March 19, 1946 and returned to Tulia and graduated from Tulia High School in May 1947. He then attended Abilene Christian College.

On May 16, 1945, T.A. married Beatrice Willetta George. She passed away on Feb. 27, 1969.

On Feb. 9, 1970, T.A. married Texie Gene (Armstrong) Hood. They joined their two families together to make one. Their home was built on the solid rock – Jesus Christ. A family was made through their love.

The growth of each one brought forth more love…and that love goes on and on. It was the beginning of the “Hayhurst Herd”. He was a devoted family man and husband with his family being the most important thing in his life.

T.A. and W.A. Amburn opened A&H Printing on Sept. 1, 1958. T.A. purchased Amburn’s interest in the business, which T.A. operated until Sept. 1, 2003. He served as Tulia City Councilman from 1976 to 1980; and as Mayor from 1980 to 1988. He was an active member of the Central Church of Christ, serving as Deacon and Elder. He was very active in the Community of Tulia. He spent many summers umpiring Little League Baseball. He also served in the Lions Club, Kiwanis and the Board of MHMR of Plainview, Texas. T.A. and Gene left Tulia and moved to Plano in 2011. They couple were awarded the Pioneer Spirit Award in 2006.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Dona May and Betty; four brothers, Billy Ed, twins Lloyd and Boyd, and Roy; a daughter, Theresa; and a great-granddaughter, Tiffany Golden.

Survivors include his wife, Gene; five daughters, Nancy and husband Ron Melton, Barb and husband Rod Hall, Bonnie Ruland, Tina and husband Rod Chisholm and Barbara and husband Mike Poggis; 21 grandchildren, including Mike Cummings of Pampa; 45 great-grandchildren, including Isaac Cummings of Panhandle; five great-great-grandchildren; brother, Wes Hayhurst and wife Joanne; sister, Jessie and husband Charles Mc-Kone; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, T.A.’s wishes were that donations be made to Childress Church of Christ, Honduras Fund, PO Box 239, Childress, TX 79201.