Thomas Eugene Wideman

Tom was born May 10, 1936, to Thomas E. and Lillian (Pitchford) Wideman in Dallas, Texas.  He graduated from Newman High School in Sweetwater, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Sul Ross State University in May 1959, where he was chosen senior class president and class favorite.  After his graduation, Tom married June Dickerson on May 29, 1959 in Midland, Texas.  From June to December 1959, the couple lived in Pacific Grove, California, while Tom completed six months active duty in the Texas National Guard, stationed at Fort Ord, California.

In 1960, Tom and June returned to Sweetwater, where Tom was associated with his father as co-owner of Industrial Manufacturing Company of Texas.  Their children, Kelly Ann and Gary Jeff were born in Sweetwater in 1962 and 1965, respectively.  The family moved to Dallas where Tom worked in sales for Gas Equipment Company. The family returned to Sweetwater and Tom and June became active in Sweetwater civic and church activities.  Tom co-chaired the Sweetwater Jaycee Rattlesnake RoundUp with Bill Ransberger in 1962 and served as president of the Sweetwater Jaycees in 1965.  That same year, he was recognized as Sweetwater’s Outstanding Young Man by the Chamber of Commerce.  In the mid-80’s Tom was elected to the Sweetwater City Council and served as councilman, mayor pro-tem and mayor.

Tom retired for the first time in 1982 after he and his father sold Industrial Manufacturing Co. to out-of-state buyers.  In 1987, Tom and June moved to Abilene, Texas, where Tom was hired for what was intended to be a temporary 90-day stint as building manager for Wes-Tex Industrial Center, the 5th largest commercial building in Texas.  Fifteen years later in 2003, Tom retired for the second time when Wes-Tex Industrial Center was sold.

Tom remained active in the Sweetwater Jaycee organization and was recognized by the organization as a Life Member.  He was known far and wide as “The Snakeman” and, in 2007, Tom authored a book, Texas Rattlesnake Tales, which chronicled his adventures during 50 years with the Sweetwater Rattlesnake RoundUp, his appearance on National Geographic, and his association with the Orvis Company as a field tester for their Gokey snake-proof boots.  Tom participated in or attended the RoundUp each year from 1960 until his death.  He truly never met a stranger and was known for his good humor and unequaled skill of sharing a great story.

Tom is survived by his wife of 59 years, June, of Abilene; his daughter, Kelly (Mrs. Mike) Stephens of Abilene; his son Gary Jefferson Wideman and wife, Suzanne of Burnet; two grandsons, Benjamin Stephens and wife Tandy of Killeen, and Jeremy Stephens and wife Savanna of Abilene; and two granddaughters, Abigail and Caroline Wideman of Burnet.  His parents and younger sister preceded him in death.

Memorials may be made to a charity of choice, in lieu of flowers.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.