Thomas Neal Rolston

Thomas Neal Rolston, 56, passed away October 19, 2023, at Baylor Scott & White Health Center (BSWH) following long term health issues. He was the son of the late Billy Bob Rolston and Lois Ruth Thomas Rolston of Temple, Texas.

Thomas “Thom” was born in the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, July 28, 1967. His family traveled as his dad was a Navy Petty Officer. The family spent two years in Rota, Spain where they enjoyed some of the culture of living in a foreign country. He was young and always said he did not remember much about the experience but did recall sleeping in an old trunk at a campout.

The family was transferred to Norfolk, Virginia after Billy’s tour in Spain in 1972 and Thom was placed in daycare and then spent his evenings in the hospital childcare while his mother worked.  After returning to Temple in 1973, Thom attended Scott Elementary and Jefferson Elementary, Lamar Middle School, finally graduating from Temple High School in 1986. He then spent some time at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas before returning to Temple in 1992.  He was an avid supporter of the Red Raiders and had recently rekindled his interest in the football team.  Thom picked up his educational pursuits and received his associate degree in arts from Temple College on July 20, 2006.

Thom was an adventurous toddler prone to wander off on his own. Once in a Membership Store, his parents missed him. Then they heard the announcement on the overhead speaker, “Will Tommy Rolston’s parents please come and get him, it seems they are lost.”  His mother never ceased to remind him of this experience. While visiting Washington, D.C., for safety’s sake, they placed him on a child leash.

Like most teenagers and young adults, Thom ventured through several jobs to include making hamburgers at Wendys, selling books at Walden's Books, and jewelry at Ortegas. Later he worked as a Registrar at Bonham Middle School and as a Medical Records Technician at BSWHealth. He also drove one of the vans for the railroad crews of the Renzenberger Company.

Thom was a member of several organizations.  Through the Boy Scouts of America, he reached the Eagle Scout Rank, December 13, 1982, and was inducted into the Vigil of the Order of the Arrow, November 2, 1985.  He attended the National Scout Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia in 1985 and endured the wrath of Hurricane Bob.  As an older Scout, he served on the Summer Camp Staff at Camp Tahuaya near Salado, Texas.

With the assistance of some good friends, he was initiated into the Order of DeMolay, September 8, 1982.

Another avocation caught his eye, and he began his twenty-year venture with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a group interested in re-enactment of the chivalry, arts, sciences, history, and all that came with it when going back to parts of the Middle Ages in Europe.  He attained the honor of being known as Lord Ashe Buchanan.  He was associated with the surname as his great-grandmother was a Buchanan. He served as the Leader of the local group, The Shire of Tempio, as Seneschal, like a President.  In this capacity he also planned and ran many outdoor events for the SCA.

Later he became interested in The English Civil War Society and met with them on many occasions. He assisted with demonstrations and worked with them at The Texas Renaissance Festival on one occasion.

Thom never married but met several interesting ladies along the way. Conversation often centered on this subject and the experiences he had through the years. He was able to stay connected with a couple of these friends.

Thom loved history, reading books of all kinds, listening to a variety of music, collecting Native American stone points, ceramic and stuffed foxes, and business cards.  His music was whatever he enjoyed, books were science fiction or British History or recipes.  He worked at the radio station while attending Texas Tech University and played music of many cultures.

Thomas is survived by his mother, Lois Ruth; his “adopted” brother, Paul Lewing; and many cousins.  His dad, Billy and brother, Brian Edward predeceased him by many years.  He was also left behind by a few close friends, Alan Wolstein, Mark Nine, Mike DaWalt, David Farhie, Karen Renker Woods, Darren Boyd, Julie Cunningham, Waymeth Boyes, and a number of other loving friends.

His body will be cremated, and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.  Invitations will be sent to close friends and family at that time.  Gifts may be made to The Temple Community Clinic, 1905 Curtis B. Elliot Dr., Temple, Texas, 76501.