Obituary of Thomas A. McQueen

McQueen, Thomas A., 85, of St. Petersburg, Florida, formerly of Old Town, died Saturday September 22, 2001 at Egret Cove Center in St. Petersburg. Born in Old Town, Mr. McQueen was 5 years old when he moved to St. Petersburg with his two brothers and two sisters, all of whom lived at the Masonic Home, 125 32nd Avenue N.E., in St. Petersburg. His father, a Mason, had died requesting that the home care for his children. For 13 years, he lived at the home while attending local schools. Then his natural gift in music opened the way for a prep school education. He received a scholarship to attend Florida Military Academy now Stetson University College of Law for his ability to play the trumpet in the band. He graduated in 1935 and went on to serve in the Army Air Corp in the Pacific theater during World War II. In 1945, he opened McQueen Brothers Fuel Oil Company at 940 31st Street South, St. Petersburg. He was a 54 year member and Past Master of Nitram Lodge #188 F. & A.M. and a member of Christ United Methodist Church. Mr. McQueen formerly owned the T & J Ranch in Old Town located between US 19 S, County Road 55A and Kate Green Road, and prior to that he owned a ranch in Dunnellon, Florida. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Helen Dornbusch; two sons, Thomas A., Jr. of Old Town, and John Wesley of St. Petersburg; a daughter, Laurel S. McQueen of St. Petersburg; two sisters, Mary F. Pfeiffer of St. Petersburg and Alice Stroemer of Tavernier, FL; four grandchildren, Thomas A. IV, David Patrick, Kenneth Steven and Kevin Lee McQueen and two great grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel.