Thomas Young Barmore Sr.

Thomas affectionately known as “Great Grandpa” was born in Cove, Arkansas on August 26, 1928, to Elmer and Ella Barmore.

Thomas was a long-time resident of Harlingen, Texas arriving in 1956 to work at the newly opened Texas State Chest Hospital on Rangerville Road. A survivor of tuberculosis, Thomas earned his certification as a Registered Tuberculosis Nurse, (RTN), while a patient at the McKnight State Sanatorium north of San Angelo, Texas. Thomas retired from the Harlingen State Tuberculosis Hospital, later renamed the Harlingen State Chest Hospital, after serving thousands of patients during his 36 year career.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Ella Barmore, his brothers Charles William Barmore, Elmer Paul Barmore, George Cecil Barmore and John Barmore, and sisters Cora Mae Davlin (Barmore), Ada Bell Wright (Barmore), Mattie Gene Nelson (Barmore).

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Maria G. Barmore. His stepson Jorge Garza of San Antonio, Texas. His son Thomas Y. Barmore, Jr. of Harlingen, Texas. His daughter Myra Barmore Schwartz of San Antonio, Texas. Three grandsons Alejandro Garza, Cristobal Garza and Ethan Schwartz all of San Antonio, Texas. Two granddaughters Maricel Bowden and Lauren Schwartz of San Antonio, Texas and a great granddaughter Lyric Garza of San Antonio, Texas.

Thomas came to know the LORD JESUS CHRIST as his LORD and SAVIOR in 1981 while attending Central Baptist Church. In 1991 Thomas and his family transferred their membership to First Baptist Church of Harlingen where he remained a member till his death. He lived out his faith through generosity and kindness to those in need.

Coming from meager beginnings, Thomas was most proud of the fact that all three of his children graduated from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. He lived a humble life achieving the American dream of home ownership.

A celebration of life for Thomas Y. Barmore Sr. will take place at First Baptist Church 501 E Van Buren Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550 beginning with a visitation in the sanctuary at 1:00 PM Saturday January 6, 2018. It will be followed with a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM and reception at 3:00 PM.