Tommy Verle Sansom

Tommy Sansom, 75, of Waco, passed away on November 17, 2025. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00pm on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at OakCrest Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. Services will be held at 10:00am, on Friday, November 21, 2025, also at OakCrest Funeral Home, with his cousin, David Bennett, officiating. Burial will follow at China Spring Cemetery.

Tommy was born on December 14, 1949, in Brady, Texas to Eldon and Nona Jane Sansom, who welcomed a son with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He graduated from Lewisville High School and Tarleton State University. Tommy worked many different jobs throughout his life; however, his passion for education was shown through coaching, teaching, and being an assistant principal until he retired. Tommy loved his students and work family throughout his time with Waco ISD. He received teacher of the year and was featured in a documentary about teachers that go above and beyond for their students.

In December 1979, he married the love of his life, Gwen Sansom, in Barstow, Texas. They began their marriage in Lubbock, Texas, but eventually made their home in China Spring, Texas. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, kids, grandchildren, and his great-grandchild. He also loved his many fur babies. He cherished every moment with all of them.

To know Tommy was to have a friend. He truly never met a stranger. A gifted storyteller, who was known to embellish just a little. He could fill any room with laughter and warmth. His playful nature and ability to connect with anyone made him unforgettable to all that crossed his path. Tommy found joy in life’s simple pleasures, like woodworking and gardening.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Nona Jane Sansom; brother, Von Bowen Sansom; and mother and father-in-law, Lawrence and Gracie Wilkins.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 46 years, Gwen; son, Jason Sansom and wife Amanda; daughter, Traci Shelton and husband Marcus; daughter, Kaci Lott and husband Matt; grandchildren, Brianna Ward and husband Kyler, Barrett Shelton, Tatum Shelton, Poppi Grace Lott, Everett Shelton, Willow Rae Lott, and Sunny Marie Lott; one great-grandchild, Blakely Ward; sister, Lynda Carol McColl and husband Jim; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Brown husband Steve, and their daughter Hallie. He is also survived by his best friend and brother by choice, Stone Stephens and his wife Leslie Birdsong. His family and friends will carry his memory forward with love and gratitude.

Pallbearers will be Jason Sansom, Marcus Shelton, Matt Lott, Stacy Halliburton, Barrett Shelton, and Kyler Ward.