Tim McIntire

Darling, Tim McIntire, never wanted a funeral. He told me he wanted a party. I decided that as a farewell to him, I would try to honor his request with a celebration of life. I am waiting until after cold and flu season to celebrate his life. The tentative date is April 26, 2025. It will hopefully be finger foods and funny stories. I have asked the Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society

Timothy Francis McIntire was born on March 31, 1948, in Visalia, California, to Donald and Ruth McIntire. From an early age, his curious mind and artistic spirit set him apart. Whether he was sketching on scraps of paper, shaping clay into imaginative figures, or carefully observing the world around him, it was clear that creativity would be a defining force in his life.

Growing up in California, Timothy developed a deep appreciation for the arts, a passion that would later shape his career and community contributions. He pursued that love at Fresno State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1972. As a student, he was a member of the ROTC, which laid the foundation for his distinguished military career. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force on June 14, 1972, where he served honorably for seven years and six months as a Tanker Pilot, Tactical Fighter Pilot, and 4021 Aircraft Maintenance Officer. Throughout his service, he received numerous commendations, including the Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He was honorably discharged on December 15, 1979.

Following his military career, Timothy continued his commitment to serving others. He worked as a case worker for Abilene MHMR for ten years before joining Lubbock MHMR in the same role, dedicating himself to improving the lives of those in need until his retirement in 2008. He then partnered with his beloved wife, Dr. Diane Louise McIntire, as the business manager of her pediatric practice in Lubbock.

Timothy’s story was about dedication, discipline, and a boundless generosity that guided every path he walked. His life’s work extended far beyond the canvas or the stage. After years of serving others, he found a new way to give back—through his love of theater. With a keen eye for talent and a heart committed to nurturing creativity, he founded the Children and Adult Theater Studio (CATS), offering a space where performers, young and old, could bring stories to life. His generosity knew no bounds; he eventually donated the theater building itself, ensuring that the arts would continue to flourish for generations.

His passion for creation was not limited to performance. Timothy’s hands were rarely still—whether painting, sculpting, or working with stone to craft intricate jewelry. He saw beauty in raw materials, transforming them into treasured works of art. His fascination with minerals and gemstones led him to the Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society, where he not only found a community of fellow enthusiasts but also took on leadership roles, serving as a board member and treasurer.

Through it all, he was never alone. His greatest partnership began on April 26, 1971, when he married the love of his life, Dr. Diane Louise McIntire, in Reno, Nevada. Together, they built a life filled with passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Though they did not have children of their own, Timothy and Diane poured their hearts into uplifting young artists, supporting youth in theater and the arts in every way they could.

Timothy’s kindness, generosity, and intuitive nature left a lasting imprint on every life he touched. He was a man who saw potential where others saw obstacles, gave without hesitation, and understood that true artistry was not only found in creation but in the love and support he shared with his wife, Dr. Diane Louise McIntire, who continues to cherish his memory, and all those whose lives he enriched.

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