Tom Abraham

Services for Tom Abraham, 96, of Canadian, Texas, will be at 2:30 P.M. Sunday, February 11, 2007 at the First Christian Church with Matt Cook, Rev. Ashley Abraham Hood and Kari Stainback, officiating. Burial will be in Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Hughs Funeral Home of Canadian, Texas. Mr. Abraham passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2007 in Canadian, Texas. Tom Abraham was born in Kafracab, Lebanon in 1910, sometime around December 8. His parents were Nahim and Alia Malouf (their surname was changed to Abraham when they came to America through Ellis Island). Tom grew up in Canadian, Texas and graduated from Canadian High School in 1928. In 1932, he graduated from Texas Tech, where he played on the football team, was the business manager of the Toreador (the school newspaper), and later helped start the Red Raider Club. He was also a member of the Commission that created the Texas Tech Dad’s Association (now known as Texas Tech Association of Parents) and served as its first Vice-President. Upon his death, Tom was thought to be the oldest living Texas Tech Letterman. Tom liked to say that he received the first BBA degree from Tech (chuckling about the fact that it wasn’t for his academic prowess, but because his last name began with “A”). After graduation he married Helen Ferguson of Paducah and returned to Canadian. He went to work at The Fair Department Store, which was started by his father, and he eventually became the owner. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Helen; his children, Donna Abraham Stainback of Greenville, Ken Abraham and his wife Renee of Lubbock, and Kay Abraham Brown and her husband Terry of Canadian; his grandchildren: Kent Stainback, Kari Stainback, Timothy Stainback, Lacy Stainback Feezel, Kyle Abraham, Rev. Ashley Abraham Hood, Alex Abraham, Wendi Brown Stephens, Hilary Brown Beedy and 17 great-grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his 3 brothers: Naceeb, Malouf Sr. and Eddie, and his son-in-law, Raiford Stainback, Jr. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Canadian where he was instrumental in building the original church. Along with his brothers, he helped found the Edward Abraham Memorial Home. He was active in the Rotary Club, was very proud of being a Mason, and served in numerous community leadership positions. In his later life, Tom was also the recipient of many honors. Among them were: Man of the Year by the Canadian-Hemphill County Chamber of Commerce, the Americanism Award presented by Daughters of the American Revolution (given only to immigrants who helped other immigrants obtain citizenship), Hemphill County Bicentennial Chairman, Seven Who Care from KVII-TV in Amarillo. Mr. Abraham was proudest of his coveted Freedom’s Foundation Award presented at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in 1980. However, Tom was known mostly for his many kindnesses to others, which were described in the 1992 Amarillo Globe News column, “Santa Claus is alive and giving in Canadian.” Pallbearers will be Kent Stainback, Timothy Stainback, Kyle Abraham, Blake Beedy, Kelly Feezel, Doug Hood and Kirk Stephens. Condolences may be sent online to Hughs Funeral Home at www.hughsfuneralhome.com or P.O. Box 105, Canadian, TX 79014. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord…I will deliver him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91