Obituary of Thomas William Templin

Thomas (Tom) William Templin Jr. passed away on Sunday August 12, 2018 at Arlington Memorial Hospital. He was 88 years old.  

Tom was born in Aubrey, TX on December 20, 1929 and lived his childhood in various North Texas rural communities but eventually claimed Waxahachie, TX as his home even though he lived the last 57 years in Arlington, TX. His parents were Thomas William Sr. and Ada Lilly (Morris) Templin. He had three sisters, Pauline Henry, Alyne Cook, Evelyn Holt, and three brothers, Ralph Templin, Jack Templin, and Jake Templin. All of his siblings preceded him in death.   

Tom was born into a share cropper family where he experienced extreme poverty and hunger. Leaving farm life with very little education he became a plater’s helper at Chance Vought Aircraft Company where he learned his trade eventually becoming a metal coatings expert. Utilizing his uncompromising work ethic he worked his way up through various companies eventually retiring as VP and General Manager of General Magnaplate / Texas. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy.  

Tom is survived by his wife of 69 years, Bettie Lou (Murray) Templin, his sons, Michael Templin, Gerald Templin, Gary Templin, daughter Rhonda (Templin) Kelly and sister in law Reba (Bragg) Templin. He had seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.  

Tom was an avid hunter, fisherman, and knife collector. He was also an enthusiastic poet who could work any object into a rhyme.   

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday August 17, 2018 at Moore Memorial Garden Cemetery located at 1219 N. Davis Drive Arlington, TX 76012. Funeral services are being provided by Martin Thompson & Son Funeral Home.