Thomas Bruce

Thomas W. Bruce, 76, of Farmington, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home on June 30th, 2023.

He was born on September 26th, 1946, in Shattuck, Oklahoma, to L.J. and Marjorie Bruce. They remained in Oklahoma for a time before moving to Farmington, NM, in the early 1950s.

Thomas graduated from Farmington High School in 1964. Shortly thereafter, in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Army and went on to serve in the 82nd and 101st airborne divisions in Vietnam and Guam. During his time in the military, he was promoted to sergeant and awarded several medals for acts of valor and meritorious achievement. He returned home in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1971.

In December of 1971, he was married to Maxine Ruby (Beevers), and together, they had three children; Travis, Tamera, and Tierra.

Thomas dutifully worked to provide for his family, working in the oilfield and trucking industries. Over the years, their family grew to include seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom lovingly referred to him as 'Papa'. Tom was a stern yet easygoing personality with a unique sense of humor who loved his family. He will be dearly missed.

He is preceded in death by Maxine Bruce, his parents, L.J. and Marjorie Bruce, his brother John Bruce, and his daughter, Tierra Bruce.

He is survived by siblings Daniel, Larry, and Marilyn, (of Farmington, NM) children Travis Bruce (Cape Cod, MA) Tamera Bruce (Englehart) (of Farmington, NM) Also his grandchildren; Kyle Carney, Abigaile Englehart (Kelsey), Madalynn Englehart (Downey), Adrien Englehart (Kaleb), Eric Englehart, Gavin McCutchen and Ryan McCutchen, and his three great-grandsons, Valen and Avery Lare, and Roman Downey, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.