Thomas Paige Carruth

Thomas Paige Carruth, age 88, of Amarillo / Canyon died Thursday June 6. Paige was born March 17, 1931 in Vernon, Texas to Otho and Florine Carruth. After early schooling in Vernon, he graduated from Canyon High School in 1948. He received a B.S. from West Texas State University in 1952 followed by a Master’s degree in 1955. He earned a Doctor of Education degree from Texas Tech University in 1959. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division, G-2 Section in Korea from 1952 – 1954.
Paige married Norma Durrett Aug. 15, 1952 and together they raised five children. He started his education career teaching in 1955 at Kermit High School. During his residency for the doctorate at Texas Tech, he taught education courses and worked for the Dean of Student Life. In 1959, he joined the administration staff at WTSU as Director of Men’s Housing and Assistant Professor of Education. In addition to teaching graduate courses in education, he served as a consultant to many area public schools for accreditation evaluations. He was on many committees spanning WTSU, the region, and state. Administrative duties included Director of Men’s Housing, Assistant Dean of Men (1959 – 1964), Dean of Students (1964 – 1970), and Vice-President of Student Affairs (1970 – 1978). In addition to an expanded scope and variety of committees, he was a sponsor for Student Government and Interfraternity council. Over the 28 years of service, he positively influenced the lives and served as a mentor to many students and co-workers. Paige was highly engaged in civic activities. He and Norma were heavily involved in the Rotary Club where he served as President, District Governor, Special Representative for the President of Rotary International, and numerous District and International committees. He was also active in the Canyon Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, Texas Social Welfare Association, United Way, and was privileged to be a part of the founding of the drama “Texas” while working with the Panhandle Heritage Foundation. Some of the professional organizations he was a member include Phi Delta Kappa, Texas Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and Texas Conference on Teacher Education. Paige and Norma were faithful members and active participants of the First United Methodist Church in Canyon for many years, and later at Polk Street Methodist Church. Paige was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joe Keith Carruth of Vernon, sisters Marilyn Baker of Midland, Judith Hall of Amarillo, Claire Kuehn of Canyon, sons Joe Carruth of Canyon, and Tom Carruth of Canyon. He is survived by his wife Norma of Amarillo, son Alan and wife Barbara of Flower Mound, daughter Jerri and husband Paul Thomas of Amarillo, daughter Melissa Carruth of Amarillo; five grandchildren Stephanie Carruth of Lewisville, Alicia Basmajian and husband Steve of Dallas, Logan Thomas of Canyon, Deidre Schlabs and husband Stefan of Chattanooga, TN, and Cortnie Grauel of Chicago, IL; great grandchildren, nieces & nephews. Please make Memorials to a favorite charity. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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