Thomas Clay McCaleb

Thomas Clay McCaleb, 74, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away peacefully with his 2 favorite girls on February 27th, 2026 from complications with heart disease and congestive heart failure. Tom was born on April 9th, 1951 to Christine McCaleb and C. L. “Ducky” McCaleb in Crosbyton, Texas, or as he liked to say, “I was born on the edge.” He graduated from Coronado High School in 1969 and went on to get his bachelors degree in political science at Texas Tech University.

After graduating college, he traveled the world for a few years painting radomes for the military. Around 1981, he founded Texas Tower and Tank where he worked in industrial painting. After that, he started his career in the masa industry working for Archer Daniels Midland. He then went onto work for Lawerence Equipment then spent about four years with Minsa. He spent the following four years working for O’Malley Grain, and then spent a short time at Lifeline Foods. He spent decades with JC Ford building lifelong, treasured relationships and giving his everything to making the company what it is today. At the end of his life, he decided to go back to where he believed his roots truly were and where his worth was made known; Lawerence Equipment.

He married his first wife, Shawn Cannon, in 1978, to which they shared 25 years and a daughter, Casey. He was married to his current wife, Denise McCaleb, for the past 9 years. One of his favorite hobbies and pass times (besides traveling of course) was watching any type of Texas Tech sports. He was a true ride or die fan. He was a season ticket holder for Texas Tech football for over 40 years, and he couldn’t have been more proud of this team and their accolades! His other favorite hobby was playing golf with all his buddies. No matter how good or bad they might have been, it was always a great time and a party! And, of course, his 3 most valued accomplishments in this world were his daughter, and granddaughter, and being inducted into the Tortilla Hall of Fame.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Denise McCaleb; his daughter, Casey McCaleb; his granddaughter, Lilly McCaleb; his two sisters, Elizabeth (Jim) Thompson and Patricia Lynn McCaleb; and his nieces and nephews, Matt Thompson, Julie Deane, Steve Thompson, Scott Thompson, and Jon McCaleb. He is preceded in death by his parents Christine McCaleb and C. L. “Ducky” McCaleb; his brother, Freddy McCaleb; and his best friend, Shawn Cannon.

Tom impacted more lives than most can even fathom. The world has lost a legend and a friend. His impression on this world will never be forgotten. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

A celebration of life will be held within a few months’ time. It will be an incredible party, in true Tom McCaleb style. Details to come.