Obituary of Thomas Power Stockdale

It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Power Stockdale announces his passing on February 10th, 2025. He was 74 years old. He is survived by his daughters Alexandra Power Stockdale Weese (Boyd) and Amelia Anne Stockdale Weidman (Tommy). His pride and joy are his grandchildren Indigo and Liberty (Alexandra) and Hayes and Grady (Anne) whom he loved with all his heart. Tom and his twin brother, Timothy "Tim" James Stockdale, were born on June 9, 1950, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. His siblings are Sally (Frank Wright), Charles Robert Stockdale, Linda Louise (Richard Rydant), Roberta "Bobby" Ann (Larry Dienberg), and Patricia Power Stockdale (Mary Mullen). His father, Charles Harold Stockdale, was a World War II veteran and engineer. Melba Frances Power, Tom's mother, was from a family that owned 2 antique and curio stores in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas and Saltillo, Coahuila in Mexico. Tom graduated from Morgantown High School in 1968, during this time, his work ethic evolved. He worked as a golf caddy at Lakeview Golf Resort near Cheat Lake, lifeguarded at Chestnut Ridge Park, and did lawn work at East Oak Grove Cemetery. He attended West Virginia University for a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Business Administration in 1972. During college, he was active in Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity as well as the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), where he proudly served in the Mountaineer Battalion. Tom wrestled for WVU freshman year and played intramurals. Recently, he was reminiscing about his high regard for high school friends and brother, Tim, who honorably served during the Vietnam War. He remained close with his Sig Ep fraternity brothers throughout his life. While attending college, Tom worked summers in the mines laying block, gathering knowledge and experience within the industry. Consol saw his potential and developed him into a safety training instructor where he earned his Safety Management Master of Science in 1973. In the mid-1970s, he attended the respected National Mine Safety and Health Academy (MSHA), Beckley, WV. Tom's foundation was built on perseverance, self-reliance, living below his means, and self-discipline. In spite of his father's premature death when Tom was only 12 and his mother's poor health, he became a successful businessman and entrepreneur, beginning with his start as a mine owner/operator at Little Falls Mine. He mined the Pittsburgh Coal seam until clean water and air regulations slowed profits, so he created a consulting business Tri-state Safety Services, which provided services such as annual refreshers, noise surveys, and training for electrical certification. He operated this as a side business until 2025 and gave his last class a month before his passing. Tom was also an MSHA inspector and inspected all the tipples on the Mon River, especially enjoying mines in Preston County. Every job and site that he worked on, he formed relationships and friends within the communities—rarely did he go anywhere without being recognized. To provide stability for his family in an ever-changing Mining Economy, Tom accepted a position as an Associate Professor for the WVU Safety and Health Extension Agency and retired with 31 years of service in December 2022. He loved teaching and served as a mentor to many young people in Farm Safety. His work provided Safety and Health education and consulting throughout Monongalia County and the state of West Virginia. He was very respected by his colleagues, with one stating "He has been a positive influence on coworkers and colleagues. It's been a real pleasure working with Tom through the years." In addition to Tom's esteemed professional career, he had an infectious passion for coaching girls' sports that would result in everyone wanting to be a part of Tom's team. He was a basketball, soccer, and softball coach and donated thousands of hours of his time helping his daughters and their friends gain confidence in sports and life through his mentorship. Being a mentor and teacher was a passion that carried on into his grandfather duties with helping to coach his grandson, Hayes, in baseball and basketball. Tom touched many hearts with his patience and thorough instruction. He was an avid sports fan and primarily enjoyed watching WVU football and basketball with his daughters and grandchildren. He loved Cheat Lake and owned several properties over the years that were near the water. Much of his free time was spent sitting on his dock chatting with other boaters and swimming with his family and friends. He was always willing to take anyone out on his pontoon boat and would encourage them to drive it from one end of the lake to the other. He was fun and gregarious and loved to play, especially with his grandchildren. Tom's generosity and spirit will leave a void to those who had the privilege of knowing him. Tom will be greatly missed by his daughter's, family, colleagues and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Monongalia 4H via https://give.wvu.edu/TomStockdale or checks made to WVU Foundation fund #3V934 and mailed to WVU Extension PO Box 6031 Morgantown, WV 26505. A memorial visitation will be held at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown on Friday, February 14th from 3PM to 6PM, with a time of sharing beginning at 5:30PM. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com