Thomas "Tom" Partridge

Tom was a gift.

--- a leader and a high achiever.

... trusted, respected, and honest.

... exact, accountable, resourceful, and strategic.

... resilient, a visionary, compassionate, generous, and encouraging.

He was an exceptional son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, and friend.

He was full of faith. He loved others unconditionally, fought his battles through prayer, served as the hands and feet of Jesus, prioritized his relationship with God, and led by example.

Above all, he was a faithful steward of the spiritual gifts God entrusted to him, sharing those gifts with the people he encountered throughout his 72 years.

Thomas Harold Partridge was born on May 5, 1954, in Alliance, Nebraska, and spent much of his childhood in Lincoln. He passed away on October 10, 2026, in Clifton, Texas.

Tom was a versatile athlete who played quarterback in football, shortstop in baseball, and was also a member of a rugby team. He enjoyed snow skiing in Colorado with his family and his sister's family, the Mayers. He was also an avid water skier and had mastered the art of barefoot skiing. Running came naturally to Tom, as well. He participated in 10K races with Lockheed Martin's running team and completed two half marathons alongside his daughter-in-law, Lindsay.

In 1969, Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon sparked Tom's interest in aeronautical engineering. After graduating from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1972, he attended Iowa State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He later earned his master's degree in mechanical engineering from Southern Methodist University in 1983.

Tom hoped to work for General Dynamics in Fort Worth, but they asked him to gain a year of experience first. He fulfilled that requirement by working on the Citation I aircraft at Cessna in Wichita, Kansas. While there, he met Lois, who was finishing her nursing degree at Wichita State University. They married in 1977 and moved to Arlington, Texas.

In 1978, Tom joined General Dynamics in Fort Worth, beginning a long career with the aircraft division that would later become part of Lockheed Martin. His first major assignment involved the structural design of a replacement horizontal tail for the F-16 fighter, where he began developing what would become one of his specialties: composite skin design, a relatively new technology at the time.

He then moved on to the F-16XL prototype program, where he continued designing composite structural skins. From there, he joined the F-22 Raptor program, contributing to its design from the earliest stages of development through its first flight and into full production.

Later in his career, Tom became one of the directors of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, coordinating international engineering efforts across the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C aircraft.

The relationships Tom built at work were just as important to him as the projects he worked on. He enjoyed being an active part of the company's community and culture. He participated in their chili cook-off, earning the title of Grand Champion, and led the Bike Donation Drive to a record-breaking year of donations.

Tom was actively involved in his church and community through White Bluff Chapel, St. Barnabas United Methodist Church, and St. John the Apostle United Methodist Church. Over the years, he played handbells, helped with church audio, taught Disciple Bible Study, served on the board of trustees, and helped lead church building campaigns. He also accompanied youth on mission trips, teaching them how to replace roofs and build ramps for those who needed them. When there was work to be done, Tom always wanted the biggest, hardest job. At St. Barnabas,

he started Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a ministry he especially loved that brought volunteers together to help others in their community. He also served through the White Bluff Men's Ministry and built ramps for the residents of Hill County.

Tom and Lois raised their three children, Leah, Rick, and Greg, with an emphasis on the importance of hard work, kindness, faith, and respect - both for others and for themselves. Tom coached all three in soccer and tutored each of them in math and physics. His building projects did not stop at work and church. He had plenty of at-home projects as well, including a playhouse for the kids at their home on Crestmont Court and a pool deck at their home on Moss Drive. Tom and Lois made family togetherness a priority.

Retirement for Tom meant trading aircraft engineering for cabinetmaking. When he and Lois moved to Lake Whitney, they set up a woodworking shop in one of their garages. They built everything from full kitchens and vanities to dressers and end tables for family, friends, and others in the community. They also took on numerous projects around their own home, including installing flooring, painting, landscaping, and renovating bedrooms and bathrooms. They even transformed one of their garages into a favorite gathering place for their grandchildren.

The lake house was full of family and friends, with plenty of cooking, card games, board games, fishing, boating, and water skiing. Tom loved a game, especially when he was winning! He counted cards, questioned the rules, and taught his children and grandchildren how to hold their own. Every summer, Tom and Lois hosted Cousin Camp at the lake, a highly-loved tradition for them and all five of their grandchildren.

Whether he was working on an aircraft, building something with his hands, helping at church, or spending time with his family, Tom gave his time, knowledge, and energy generously.

He led with purpose, served with humility, and loved without condition.

Tom was a gift, and the way he shared his God-given gifts of leadership and service leaves a lasting legacy.

Family and Loved Ones Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Lois; his three children, Leah Bayliss (Bryan), Rick Partridge (Lindsay), and Greg Partridge (Abigail); and his five grandchildren, Rylee, Maddie, Logan, Eli, and Bennett. He is also survived by his mother, Hope Partridge; his sister, Pat Mayer; his brother, John Partridge (Shelley); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Partridge, and his brother-in-law, Clyde Mayer.

Memorial Service A special memorial service to honor Tom's life will be held on Monday, November 23, 2026, at 4 p.m. at White Bluff Chapel in Whitney, Texas. In keeping with Tom's lifelong commitment to serving others, his family invites those who wish to honor his memory to continue the work that meant so much to him. 

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the White Bluff Chapel Men's Ministry. White Bluff Chapel Men's Ministry Website: whitebluffchapel.org/ministries-men Donation Link: giving.servantkeeper.com/whitebluffchapel, Phone: 254-694-7060 Address: 1072 White Bluff Dr., Whitney, TX 76692

Through these acts of generosity, Tom's spirit of service can continue to touch lives, bring people together, and make a difference in a community he loved.