H. T. "Tom" Wilson

H T (Tom) Wilson died peacefully at home in Eastland, Texas on Thursday, May 11.
Born July 24, 1927 in Hereford, TX to Homer and Victoria Wilson, his mother married Cecil C. Rockwell in 1934, who lovingly assumed the role as the only father Tom ever knew.
A graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy in 1945, Tom enlisted as private in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. After discharge in 1946, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a BBA in 1949. While at the University, Tom attended Platoon Leaders Class and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation in 1949. He was called into service during the Korean War and discharged with the rank of Captain. He also attended the Colorado School of Banking in 1956.
Tom was President and CEO of Eastland National Bank (now First Financial Bank) from 1954-76, CEO and Chairman 1976-85 and Chairman of the Board 1985-2001. He sat as Director and Executive Committee Member on the board of First Abilene Bankshares, Inc. (Now First Financial Bankshares, Inc.) from 1982-2000.
Among Tom’s civic service included the Eastland City Council, Rotary Club President; United Fund organizer and President, Eastland Memorial Hospital Treasurer; Eastland Industrial Foundation organizer and President; Goodfellows Director; Chamber of Commerce Director and recipient of its “Golden Deeds” award; Eastland Merchants Credit Association organizer and President and Director and President of Eastland County Water Supply District. A lifelong Presbyterian, Tom has been an elder at First Presbyterian Church, Eastland since 1955.
Tom is survived by Nettie, his wife of 68 years, daughters Shannon Rider of Dallas, TX and Victoria Peloubet and husband David of Fort Worth, TX, grandchildren Alex Peloubet and wife Keshia of Raleigh, NC, Hillary (Rider) Letourneau and husband Mike of Boston, MA, Phillip Peloubet of Los Angeles, CA and Anna Peloubet of West Palm Beach, FL and a host of friends who will forever remember his constant example of faith, friendship, kindness and the trademark twinkle in his eyes.
Visitation will be held from 4-6 PM, Friday, May 19, at Edwards Funeral Home. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, May 20, at the First Presbyterian Church, Eastland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Eastland Meals on Wheels, 110 N Ostrom, Eastland, TX 76448 or Eastland Backpack Program, 102 N Lamar, Suite 307, Eastland, TX 76448.