Barbara J. (Thomason) Tongate, age 91, of Early went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, March 3, 2025. She was born December 28, 1933 in Brownwood, Texas to Worth and Ida Mae (Douglass) Thomason. She grew up in Brown County and attended Brownwood ISD, graduating from Brownwood High School in 1951. Her college years were spent at Texas Woman’s University. When a university student, Barbara entered a “Make it Yourself with Wool” competition and won a Singer Featherweight and several wool blankets. Barbara would travel to College Station to attend football games with her high school sweetheart. After 3 years, she graduated from college and married that same sweetheart, Gene Tongate, in 1954 in Brownwood. Her Home Economics teaching career began in Merkel, Texas, where her love for her students began. Retirement from Brownwood ISD came after 35 years of encouraging students. She loved supporting her children and grandchildren as they participated in many different livestock show events. Barbara was a member of Austin Avenue Church of Christ.

She is survived by her daughters Sheena Fisher and husband John of Killeen, Ann Turner and husband Bob of College Station, son Dick Tongate and wife Varda of Early; and grandsons and granddaughter Chad Fisher (Brittany), Jim Bob Fisher (Rebecca), Wade Fisher (Blaine), Jeff Turner (Brigette), Steve Turner (Neelie) and Julie Roberts (E.J.). Nineteen great grandchildren, several nephews and a niece also survive her. She was preceded in death by husband, Gene, her parents, grandson Ryan Fisher, brother Wade Thomason and sister-in-law Editha Thomason, brother-in-law Bill Tongate, sister-in-law Sue Tongate Martin.

We would especially like to thank Judy Gray for all of the love and care she poured on Mom. A big thank you to Hill Country Home Health Care and Alpha Omega Hospice, especially “Shandy.” Also, thank you to the loving staff of Brownwood Nursing and Rehabilitation. Heartland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and visitation will be at the funeral home from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 10. Following the visitation, there will be a graveside service at Cedar Point Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Cherokee Children’s Home.