FORT WORTH — Dr. B. Thomas Tribble, 85, passed from this life to eternal rest on Monday, March 19, 2012, joining his beloved wife, Jeannine. Funeral: 2 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church of Everman. Interment: Pleasant Point Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Benjamin  Thomas Tribble was born in Denton, Texas on September 15, 1926 to Otto and Goldia Tribble.  At the age of thirteen the family, including Sister Lucie Isola, moved to Weatherford, Texas.  Tommy became a proud member of the Weatherford High School marching band until his graduation in 1944. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Texas Wesleyan College to pursue a career in the ministry, having been called to serve the Lord at the age of 14.   He preached his first sermon at the age of 17 at the Weiland Methodist Church.  During his freshman year Tommy was drafted and reported for duty the following summer in California.  By the time of his arrival, the war had ended, so he spent the summer as a civilian employee at the Naval Air Station at Alameda.  He returned to college, during which time he was appointed as a licensed student pastor to the Carlton circuit of the Methodist Church.  Upon graduation Tommy received his first regular appointment to the Bardwell Methodist Church. While serving in Bardwell he was introduced to a pretty young lady named Jeannine Forston.  He recalls his first impression of her as having a beautiful smile which could light up the room, and his heart.  Tom and Jeannine were wed August 18, 1950.  Over the years the family grew to include daughter Linda Kathryn, and sons William Otto and Thomas Daniel. Tom continued to pursue his education, and over the years earned a total of four college degrees:  a Bachelor of Science from TWC, a Bachelors of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, a Masters of Sacred Theology, and ultimately his Doctorate of Ministry also from SMU.  Tom was proud that all four degrees were earned (not honorary) and were all on full scholarship. During his 46 year ministry Dr. Tribble served many churches, and was the pastor during two new church constructions – First Methodist of Midlothian, and Riverside U.M.C.  He was also pastor of First U.M.C. of McGregor during the construction of their new Family Life Center.  A note on Tom’s ministry:  although educated and biblically astute, “Dr. Tom” was proud to be known as a preacher – if you ever heard him preach, you would remember his engaging style. You felt like he was talking to you; His sermon could have you laughing one minute and crying the next.  But, his goal was not to entertain, it was to move you into a closer relationship with God and Christ. “Dr. Tom” retired from full-time ministry in 1991 while serving at St. Stephens U.M.C.  When he retired to Alvarado, he was fond of saying that he became known as Tom Tribble, the husband of Jeannine Tribble.  To our great sorrow, Jeannine passed away on August 8, 2000, just one week from their 50th wedding anniversary. With the love and support of family and friends, and his faith in God, Tom perseverered. In 2008 he began a new chapter in his life when he moved into Heritage Place Retirement Community.  True to character, Tom immediately began making new friends, and was soon involved in many activities – including playing 42, joining the Wii baseball team, and organizing a nightly coffee group.  Most importantly to Tom, he continued his ministry by leading Palm Sunday and Thanksgiving services at Heritage.  While attending services at Everman Methodist Church, Tom taught adult Sunday school – over time he realized it was becoming difficult for many in his class to make it to church – and he realized that all of them lived at Heritage.  With the blessing of the minister, Tom began conducting the class at Heritage, and attracted new members. Two final anecdotes to Tom’s eternal optimism – Tom recently spent three months in a Rehab facility – his goal was to return to his home at Heritage, which he did last week.  Lastly, although fully aware of his precarious health condition and medical prognosis, Tom recently purchased season tickets to watch his beloved SMU Mustangs – “Go Pony’s!” Tom, you will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by your family, and many, many friends. Survivors include daughter, Kathy McLeod and husband Jimmy; son, Bill Tribble and wife Susan;  son, Dan Tribble and wife Julie;  sister, Lucie Rea, grandchildren: Ginger Jones, Tim McLeod, Alisa McLeod, Josh Laughry, Rylee Tribble, Aidan Tribble;  and great-grandchildren:  Kaydee and Calvin Jones.