Tom Scott of Midland, Texas died on February 1. Tom was born in Houston, Texas on January 31, 1934 to Mary Alice Ransom and Earle Hester Scott and was raised in Richmond, Texas. After his mother married Stephen S. Perry Jr. in 1946, the family lived on their ranch on Allen Dome on the banks of the San Bernard River in Brazoria County. Tom graduated from Freeport High School at the top of his class in 1951, going on to attend The Rice Institute in Houston Texas, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Chemistry. He attended The University of Texas Law School, graduating in 1958. Tom was honored as a member of The Order of the Coif, The Chancellors, Phi Theta Phi, and the Texas Law Review.

After law school, Tom married Laura Shea on October 18, 1958, in San Antonio, Texas.

Tom began his legal career with Phillips Petroleum in Amarillo before joining Maurice Bullock in private practice in Fort Stockton, Texas. Tom followed Maurice to Midland in 1966 and helped build the firm Bullock, Scott, Neisig and Owens. Tom was a founding member of the Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Specialty Section of the State Bar of Texas. He was an active member of the Petroleum Club of Midland, serving as its President in 2003/2004.

Tom was a fifth-generation Texan, a descendant of Alexander Hodge, one of the “Old 300” settlers who immigrated to Texas as part of Stephen F. Austin’s colony. Tom embodied everything good one finds in Texans. As a lawyer he would tell you to put your agreements in writing, but in dealing with him his word was his bond. He was loyal and could be counted on to come to the aid of his friends. Throughout his life, Tom demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service. His legal career was highlighted by much pro-bono work and worthy community endeavors.

Tom was an avid runner and cyclist, and loved swimming, especially at Surfside Beach, Barton Springs and Balmorhea. Tom and his family loved hiking and camping with friends in the Davis Mountains of west Texas and adventures in the Pecos Wilderness area of New Mexico. Tom and his family delighted in decades of enjoyment at Camp Davis on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Laura, his loving wife of 67 years, his three children and their spouses: daughter Evelyn and husband Richard Dearstyne, son Sam and wife Leanne Scott, daughter Eleanor and husband Ken Sheldon, and his five grandchildren: Daniel Dyer Scott and wife Megan, Sarah Alana Scott, William Read Scott and wife Mari, Helen Grace Scott, and Jessica Lauren Sheldon, and his two great-grandchildren: Ivy London Ann and Baxter Graeme Scott. He is also survived by his brother Stephen S. Perry, III and sister Emily Perry Ward.

Tom was a devoted member of Christ Church Anglican Parish. A memorial service will be held there on Saturday, February 28, at 10:00AM, 5501 N Midkiff Road, Midland, TX 79705. Tom will be buried in the Ransom Family plot in Morton Cemetery, Richmond, Texas.

Memories and condolences may be offered online through Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland, Texas at www. npwelch.com.