J.T. Poorman

A memorial service for Joseph Thomas “Tony or J.T.” Poorman, 79, of Abilene will be at 4:00 pm, Saturday, May 10th, 2014 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Rev. Amy Feltz officiating. J.T. passed away Thursday, May 1st at Abilene Regional Hospital. He was born December 16, 1934 in Abilene Texas. Local arrangements were made by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. J.T. was preceded in death by his father, J.B. Poorman, his mother, Leona Shaw, his step-father, O.V. Shaw and his sister, Johnnie Steward. He is survived by his wife, Lou, brothers, Wayne Shaw and B.J. Shaw, sisters, Perri Leski, Tinker James, and Bonnie White, sons, Brad Poorman and his wife Kristie, and Tony Poorman, 5 grandchildren, Joe Poorman and his wife Sherrie, Jamie King and her husband Jon, Kelly Proctor and her husband Matt, Josh Poorman and his wife Kim, and Steve Poorman, 4 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, along with extended family members and friends. J.T. grew up on a ranch near Blanket Texas. After graduation from Blanket High School he attended Texas Tech. He married his high school sweetheart, Minnie Lou on June 19, 1954. They settled in Odessa Texas where they remained for 29 years. J.T. worked for several oilfield service companies with his longest service being at Vinson Supply Company in sales. J.T. was active in Highland Methodist Church and as a Boy Scout leader. Later they moved to Abilene where J.T., along with his sons started Star Tel Long Distance Company which they grew into a successful company with several branch offices throughout west and central Texas. He and Lou retired to Lake Brownwood for many years where they were active in Blanket Methodist Church. J.T. was proud of his role in the building of a new activity center at the church. Late in life they returned to Abilene to be near family. He loved cars, music, and family. He was always willing to help others and was quick to tease his grandkids and great grandkids. He was never more content than when he was on a horse and loved playing cards and dominoes with friends. He maintained his humor and love for Lou until the end. Pallbearers will be J.T.’s grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association North Central Texas Chapter, 301 S. Pioneer Dr., Suite 105, Abilene, TX 79605; Arthritis Foundation, 4300 MacArthur Avenue, Suite 245, Dallas, TX 75209-6524 http://www.arthritis.org/texas/, or Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1741 Sayles Blvd., Abilene, TX 79605.