Theodore Martin Nairn, Jr., 92, of Big Spring, TX, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring.
Theodore, known to most as "Ted", was born in McCune, KS, on November 12, 1931, to Theodore Alonzo Nairn and Nettie Juanita Ewan Nairn. He grew up in Pittsburg, KS, where he graduated high school at the age of 16 and went on to complete his bachelor's degree at Pittsburg State University while working part-time at Nairn Equipment, Inc. and Sheward Implement Company. He began his career at Spencer Chemical Co. in 1956 as a Laboratory Analyst working the night shift while he continued his graduate studies in chemistry. He continued to work part-time for the family business at Nairn Equipment, Inc. In 1957 he accepted a transfer to the Spencer Chemical plant in Calumet City, IL, as a Laboratory Chemist. In 1960, he was promoted to Laboratory Supervisor where he worked until Spencer Chemical was bought out by Cosden Oil and Chemical Co. Ted was promoted to Chief Chemist over all laboratory operations and product quality control. In 1972, he was transferred to the Cosden Refinery at Big Spring, TX, as the Environmental Chemist in the Project Engineering Department. Ted took on various roles over the next 25 years as Cosden changed to Fina Oil and Chemical Company. He served as Environmental Coordinator at Big Spring, Manager of Environmental Activities for all Cosden plants in various states and finally Senior Engineering Advisor managing environmental projects. He retired in July of 1997 after 43 years of continuous service under the four company names.
Ted was a member of many environmental committees, including American Plastics Institute, American Petroleum Institute, and Texas Chemical Company. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and was a 60-plus-year member of the Masonic Lodge No. 187 A.F & F.M. in Pittsburg, KS.
Ted married Nora Belle Clark on April 5, 1952. His passing came one day short of their 72nd anniversary. After retiring, Ted and Nora traveled, mostly to see relatives and compiling genealogy records. He was an avid genealogist, spending countless hours and compiling thousands of pages of meticulous records of both his and Nora's family history. His life was devoted to his family and taking care of them.
He is survived by his wife Nora Nairn of Big Spring, TX; one son, Jeff (Lea Ann) Nairn of Hondo, TX; and a daughter, Julie (Andy) Duke of Big Spring, TX; five grandchildren, Valeri (Mike) Gantz of Shererville, IN, Michael (Melissa) Nairn of Big Spring, TX, Steve Nairn (Kayla Nestor) of Lowell, IN, Josef (Kim) Nairn of Coahoma, TX, and Amy (Jayson) Reeves of Weatherford, TX; four great-grandchildren, Tyler Nairn of Lubbock, TX, Ali Hilger of Big Spring, TX, Collin Nairn of Coahoma, TX, and Laynie and Claira Reeves of Weatherford, TX; three great-great-grandchildren, Armani, Levi and London of Big Spring; and one brother, Leo (Jane) Nairn of Kansas City, MO.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore (Pete) Alonzo Nairn and Juanita Nairn, and two sons, Theodore Michael (Mike) Nairn and Mark Nairn.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.
