Tommy "Tom"

Gerald Cheney

Tom Cheney passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength and love. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and respected leader in the oil and gas industry whose life was marked by hard work, adventure, and a strong commitment to his family.

Tom built a remarkable career spanning more than four decades in the petroleum industry. Beginning in the West Texas oilfields, he worked his way through nearly every level of the field—from roustabout and roughneck to superintendent and international instructor. His work took him across the United States and around the world, including assignments in South America and the Middle East. In his later years, Tom served as a highly respected IADC Well Control Instructor, training oil and gas professionals both domestically and internationally. He was known for his knowledge, leadership, and willingness to mentor others in the field.

Tom earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from Texas Tech University, a school he loved and supported with great pride throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Tom worked his way through college and paid for his education entirely on his own, an accomplishment he remained deeply proud of. He held numerous industry certifications and was also a licensed private pilot, reflecting his lifelong spirit of curiosity and independence.

More than anything, Tom loved his family. He is survived by his two daughters, Britney and Bridget; and his three grandchildren, Cheney, Brianna, and Jaxtyn. He was incredibly proud of each of them and cherished the time they spent together.

Services for Tom will be held on Saturday, February 28,2026 at 1:00pm at  First Presbyterian Church, Sweetwater TX. A visitation will be on Friday  February 27,2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at McCoy Funeral Home.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, James and Iona Cheney; his son, Shane Alan; and his longtime companion, Patricia Beall.

Tom will be remembered for his strength, wisdom, and the steady presence he brought to those around him. His legacy lives on in the lives he impacted, both in his family and throughout the industry he helped shape.