Thomas "Tom" Briton Molder III

Thomas Briton Molder III passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the age of 75, in Houston, TX.  Tom was born to Thomas B. Molder, Jr, and Ruby Mae Shelton Molder on May 12, 1948, in Inglewood, CA.  He was raised in Tulsa, OK, and graduated from Memorial High School in 1966.   He then attended Oklahoma State University.  Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army serving from 1968-74 and was stationed in Germany.

In Tom’s late teens, he worked as an apprentice with a family friend who was a jeweler.  This experience led him to pursue employment in the jewelry industry after he was in the service.  He worked in Tulsa, OK, prior to moving to Omaha, NE, where he was employed by J.B. Hudson Jewelers known for their luxury jewelry and timepieces.  He also studied to become a Registered Gemologist.  While in Omaha, NE, Tom met the love of his life, Gail Annette Merkert.  They married on February 2, 1973, and had two sons, Brit and Bryan.

In 1977, Tom traded wearing suits and ties and selling diamonds to wearing dirty coveralls in the oilfields of West Texas.   Tom and his young family relocated from Omaha, NE, to McCamey, TX, to join the Molder family in the oil industry.   They owned and operated Girvin Well Service, Iraan Pump and Supply and Tom Molder Oil.  

In the 80’s, Tom received a private pilot’s license.  He purchased a single-engine Cessna and enjoyed flying in West Texas and the Midwest.   He also enjoyed golf, Las Vegas vacations, collecting airplane memorabilia, artwork and had an impressive movie library as he was a big-time movie buff.  In 2019, Tom was selected to participate in the Permian Basin Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in honor of veterans who served and sacrificed for our country.

Tom was the happiest when he was with his family.   He loved family time regardless of the occasion.  He had a larger-than-life personality and he lit up a room when he entered.  His quick wit brought much laughter to anyone who had the fortune of his presence…and he wasn’t afraid to tell you so!  He genuinely cared for others and always brought a smile to their face.  Although Tom was diagnosed with cancer in July 2022, he maintained a positive attitude and joyous personality.  He kept his medical teams smiling and gave them a thumbs-up until the end.  Tom’s mantra was “Smile, it doesn’t cost a thing.” He has left a lifetime of memories, laughter, and smiles to those who knew and loved him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ruby Molder, all of his siblings, brother Jerry Molder, brother Rick Molder, brother Randy Molder, and sister Sonya Reed. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gail Molder of McCamey, TX, son Brit Molder of Houston, TX, son Bryan Molder and wife Lisa, grandchildren Gunner, Malia, and Savannah of Midland, TX, Robert Sizemore, Karla Luckenbach, Jenifer Moersch, Jessica Bradley, Jana Kay Traylor, Jimmie Lynn Garcia, and numerous nephews and nieces.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11:00 am at the McCamey 4-H Event Center at 18001 US-67.

Honorary Pallbearers: Nemesio Aguilar, Jr, Larry Bradley, William King, Bob Love, Jill Merkert, Kelly Merkert, Nicholas Molder, Debbie O’Meara, P.J. Traylor, and Bobby Rutledge.