Boswell

Clifford Thomas Boswell, age 86 of Rockdale passed away Wednesday night, Jan. 19, 2022, at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital in San Antonio.

Tom was born Oct. 9, 1935, in the Pleasant Hill community of Milam County to B.R. and Grace (Simmons) Boswell.

He was a 1953 graduate of Rockdale High School.

Tom was employed by the Aluminum Co. of America (Alcoa) and worked for the company for 35-1/2 years before retiring in 1988 to enjoy his passion of living in the country and doing woodwork for family and friends. Starting in the mail room right out of high school, Tom set his eye on becoming a draftsman and worked his way up to design supervisor of a highly-productive team.

After retirement, Tom continued to do contract work for Alcoa, as well as designing and drawing up architectural plans for many friends and overseeing the construction of these projects.

Tom was known by all to be a perfectionist. Tom’s natural ability as a draftsman allowed him to turn individual dreams and corporate needs into reality by drawing meticulous plans, spelling out all the necessary details to ensure the home, building, or machinery was built exactly as specified. Tom left his mark on many families that, because of his design skills, were able to turn an idea in their minds into a reality.

For Tom, there was no such thing as cutting corners, it was either done right or not at all.

Tom was a master craftsman who enjoyed woodworking in his spare time. He created many masterpieces in his wood shop but none more special than the two grandfather clocks he built for his children. They have become prized possessions for both his children and have taken on a greater significance since his passing.

Tom never met a stranger as he was quick to make friends and always lend a hand to someone in need.

Tom proudly served his country in the Texas National Guard from 1953 to 1956 and the United States Army Reserve from 1956 to 1961.

On Nov. 23, 1956, Tom married his childhood sweetheart, Josie Bauer, at First Christian Church in Taylor. They enjoyed 65 years of being best friends. They are members of the First Christian Church, in Rockdale.

Tom was preceded in death by parents Bennett (B.R.) and Grace Boswell and brothers Ike and Lexie Boswell.

Survivors include his wife, Josie Boswell of Rockdale; son, Barry Boswell and wife Sherri of Ovilla; daughter, Dottie San Martin and husband Joey of San Antonio; brother, Rodney Boswell of Austin; sister, June Zivley of Pflugerville; four grandchildren, Brian Boswell, Blake Boswell, Christopher Scogin, and Christen Scogin; and eight great-grandchildren, Braeden, Emma, June, Elsie and Bear Boswell, Victoria Brooke, Trenton Scogin and Preston Scogin.

Graveside services are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Rockdale with Gunar Gerthe officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, P.O. Drawer 1417, Rockdale, TX 76567, 512-446-5454.