Fred Thomas 'Tom' McMinn Jr.

Fred Thomas “Tom” McMinn, Jr., passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 9, 2025, due to complications following surgery.

A true West Texan, Tom was born on January 6, 1952, in Odessa. He spent most of his childhood in Abilene before graduating from San Angelo Central High School in 1970. Two years later, he met his beloved wife, Annette, while attending Texas Tech University. They were married on December 29, 1973. After graduation, Tom and Annette moved back to Odessa, where he devoted the next 51 years to growing McMinn’s Furniture – the family business started by his parents.

Tom also dedicated much of his time over the past five decades to serving in various capacities in dozens of civic and church organizations. At the time of his death, he served as Chairman of the Parish Council at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and was also serving on the boards of directors of Holy Cross Catholic High School, the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance, Grow Odessa, and the Information and Discussion Group.

Tom was a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, and son. His eight grandchildren were the light of his life, and they felt the same about their beloved “G-Pa.” As an only child, Tom cherished his relationship with his wife’s large family and with his mother, who turned 99 one month before his death. He was affectionately known by his extended family as “Gringo Bling” and “The Shot.”

Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Annette, and their three daughters: Keely Knoche (Ben Brewer), Anna Brandl (Zac), and Kate Iglesias (David). He is also survived by his mother, Terry McMinn, and his eight grandchildren: Tyler and Kendall Knoche, Brooke and Caroline Brandl, and Sam, Ben, George, and Dovie Iglesias.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Fred Thomas McMinn, Sr., and his son-in-law, Ryan Knoche.

A rosary will be said in Tom’s memory at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Odessa, Texas. The family will be available in the church foyer following the rosary. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, at St. Elizabeth’s, immediately followed by the internment of his ashes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations closest to Tom’s heart – Catholic Charities of Odessa, Holy Cross Catholic High School, or St. Mary’s Central Catholic School.