Thomas Clayton “Coach O” Oliver

Born: December 5, 1945 Waco, McLennan County, Texas

Died: November 19, 2019 McLennan County, Texas

Son of: Clayton Liddell and Merle Gene Morris Oliver

Tom was born on December 5, 1945, in Waco to Clayton Liddell and Merle Gene Oliver, the oldest of three children. He attended Southwest Texas State, Temple College, and McLennan Community College where he received an Associate’s Degree. He graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History with a minor in Political Science. He was a member of Phi Alpha Theta International History Honor Society, and obtained his teaching certificate through the Education Service Center, Region 12.

From 1976 to 1991, Tom worked for J. S. Barnett, Inc. as store manager and in sales. He began substitute teaching at LaVega ISD and China Spring ISD, and was an assistant football coach at H. P. Miles Middle School in 1994 and later served on the school board for LaVega ISD. He began teaching and coaching at China Spring ISD in 1995 and retired in 2015, after twenty years. He continued to support his beloved Cougars by substitute teaching and following their successes in the classroom and any field of competition.

Following a first date on New Year’s Eve, Tom married Sherry Ivy, with whom he shared twenty-four years of laughter, teasing, but mostly love for each other, their blended family, friends and community. Tom always let his students and fellow coaches know that he was there for them, supported and believed in them, and was always available for a prayer, kind word, and advice. Coach O was a much-loved member of the China Spring and LaVega communities, as well as everyone whose life he touched.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Trace Doty.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sherry; sons, Steven Oliver and wife Christine, Jeff Oliver and wife Candice, Brian Ivy and wife Holly, Michael Ivy and wife Kimmy; grandchildren, Tyson, Taylor, Jace, Morgan, Layne, Victoria, Paige, Braden, Austin and Colton. “Pawpaw” will be extremely missed by all his grandchildren. Tom is also survived by his siblings, Donald Paul Oliver and Connie Gene Doty; niece, Amy Hodges and nephew, Kyle Doty; numerous cousins; and special loved ones, Brenda Hoffman, Janet MacNealy, Jill Shinault, and Darrin Hoover.

Pallbearers will be his sons, Steven Oliver, Jeff Oliver, Brian Ivy, Michael Ivy; grandsons Tyson Oliver, Jace Oliver, Braden Ivy, Austin Ivy, Colton Ivy; and dear friends, Josh Gregory and Rodney Outlaw.

Obituary published online 22 Nov 2019 by Lake Shore Funeral Home, Waco, Texas.