Thomas E. Hand

Thomas E. Hand, 81, of Amarillo died Saturday in the comfort of his home. Graveside service is at 10:00 am, Wednesday, November 9th at Llano Cemetery East. A memorial service will follow at the Craig Methodist Retirement Home officiated by Rev. Lane Boyd. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S Osage. The family will receive guests for visitation Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Rector Funeral Home. Thomas was born in Booneville, AR on December 30, 1940 to Ralph and Ruby Hand. He was raised in Carlsbad, NM. He joined the United States Airforce in 1959 and was stationed in San Antonio, Wichita Falls, and Tripoli, North Africa. In August 1962 he was relocated to Washington DC as a helicopter flight engineer. From 1966 to 1967 Thomas was stationed in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, then later in Edwards Airforce Base in California. In 1968 Thomas moved his family to Amarillo to work for Bell Helicopter. He later worked for ICX Freightliner and then retired from the Amarillo Helium Plant. After meeting on a blind date, Thomas married the love of his life, Patricia LeBlanc on January 17, 1964 in Washington DC. He and Pat loved to go dancing and make little trips to the local casinos. They traveled to Carlsbad and upstate New York often to visit family and friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing and drinking coffee at the Donut Stop. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ruby Hand, and sisters; Bette Chenault and Vicki Jo Hand, and brother, Otto Gail Hand. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Hand, daughters; Karen Ray and husband Toby, Teri Chambers, Rene Burk and husband Jeff and grandchildren; Blake Haley and Bennett Ray, brother Jerry Hand and sister Rhonda Allbright and husband Barry, as well as numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. In leu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the VA Hospital. Visitation Tuesday, November 08, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Rector Funeral Home 2800 South Osage Amarillo, Texas 79103 Graveside Service Wednesday, November 09, 2022 10:00 AM Llano Cemetery 2900 S. Hayes Amarillo, Texas 79103 Memorial Service Wednesday, November 09, 2022 11:00 AM The Craig Methodist Retirement Home 5500 SW 9th Ave, Amarillo, Texas 79106