Obituary: Thomas (Tom) W. Rhoton 1946 - 2015

Thomas (Tom) W. Rhoton, 68, entered his eternal rest, January 4, 2015 in Lakeland, Fl., due to heart failure.

President of Rhoton Construction Group, Inc., co-owned with his wife Patsy, was presently building facilities on the Bakken in North Dakota.

Prior to moving his operations to North Dakota, he was owner of Cattlemen's Construction Company of Lakeland, FL.  

Tom, built many feedlots, test facilities, for the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. and Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.   

Tom was a consultant in many countries around the world helping to improve their livestock facilities and plants. He was an avid supporter of Polk County 4-H and FFA.  

As an advocate for children, he supported many in their livestock projects; he contributed to raising more children that we could ever count, backing many in their livestock projects.   

Tom was born September 12, 1946 in Winslow, Arizona to Ross D. and Patricia J. (Sughrue) Rhoton.

Tom's young life was spent on the cattle and sheep ranch owned by his dad in Cottonwood, AZ.  

He was active in the Arizona National Guard for 6 years before leaving with a rank of Sgt. E5. Tom also attended Arizona State University.

Tom is survived by his wife Patsy A. Rhoton, daughters:  Tiffany (Tony) Walling, Lakeland, FL., and Janelle Rhoton (Gus) Lundin, Glenwood Springs, CO. and son:  Clinton Rhoton of Plant City, FL.  Grandchildren:  Tristen and Trace Walling.    Sisters:  PattiJo (Ken) Barberick, Ft. Collins, CO. and Sue Ann (Rick) Mabery, Prescott, AZ.  

He was predeceased by son, Herman (Hoss) Rhoton, parents Ross and Patricia Rhoton.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 09, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road.

A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, 11 am, at the funeral home chapel.

Interment will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Leaders for Education in Agriculture, 1000 College Road, Warner, OK.  74464 Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gentry-morrison.com

Paul Bearers: Tony Walling, Nick Stinnett, Travis Stinnett, Rick Morrison, David Cawley, Paul Raymond

Information provided by survivors.