(Admin note: Tommy's birth surname was Wills. His father died in a mining accident when Tommy was very young and he was adopted by his eventual stepfather.)

Thomas Howard Shamblen, 54, of Fairmont, passed suddenly from this life in his home, Tuesday (Nov. 26, 2013), from complications with his heart. He was born in Fairmont, on Aug. 7, 1959, a son of Larry L. and Dorothy M. Summers Shamblen of Fairmont.

Tom was a Christian by faith. He enjoyed visiting various churches around the city. He also enjoyed Bible study and knew it well. He graduated from East Fairmont High School, after which he joined the U.S. Army. He had formerly worked as a laborer in the construction field.

He was involved in an automobile accident in his early 20s that changed his life forever. He was a quiet and reserved man who enjoyed playing his guitar, reading and watching sports, especially baseball, which he had played in his younger years, and West Virginia University football.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Shamblen is survived by his brothers, Randall Keith Shamblen and his wife Brenda of Norfolk, Va., and Mark Garrett Shamblen of Fairmont; aunts and uncles, Ann and Eddy Luckey of Rivesville, Glenn Shamblen of Bingamon, Phyllis Yost of Fairmont, Mike Yost of Seneca, and aunt Margaret Shamblen of Rachel; also several cousins and nieces and nephews and his canine buddy and companion, “CJ.”

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Leo and Agnes Shamblen; maternal grandparents, Virgil and Mary Summers; uncle, Scott Yost; aunt, Mary Margaret Yost; and uncle, Robert Shamblen. His visitation will be private for his family only.

Anyone that would like to attend, a funeral procession will leave the Frey Home For Funerals parking lot at 1:15 p.m. Friday, going to the West Virginia National Cemetery for a graveside service conducted by Elder Gary Knoll and military honors which will be presented by the Taylor County Honor Guard.

http://obituaries.timeswv.com/obituary/thomas-shamblen-1959-2013-758515051