Tom, 79, of Garland, Texas passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter, Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Karin, of 45 wonderful years, and three daughters: Whitney with her husband Todd, Laurin with her husband Joe and their son Dylan, and Melanie, with her husband Wes, and their children Caroline, Ava, and Nathan.

Tom was born in Dallas, Texas on November 19, 1943 to Lois Gwendolyn Hooser Jones and Philip Jones. Tom attended W.W. Samuel High School, graduating class of 1962. He went on to study marketing at the University of Texas Austin, graduating in 1969. He then had a lifelong career in the health insurance industry, where he received many sales awards and a certification for CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist). After his retirement, Tom prided himself in being a local elementary school crossing guard.  

Tom was a man of simple but deep pleasures. He loved rallying behind his favorite UT Longhorns, sharing priceless memories watching every game with his daughter Whitney. Tom delighted in his role of “Grampy”, never failing to make his 4 grandchildren laugh. Tom had a soft spot for all of his pet dogs and “grand-dogs”, spoiling each and every one like the valuable family members they were. Tom knew how to cherish life's everyday blessings.

He found a spiritual home at Lakepointe Church, where he was a dedicated member for a quarter of a century. His Life Group there was not just a circle of friends but an extension of his family, sustaining and enriching him in faith and fellowship. 

One of the hallmarks of Tom’s life was yearly family vacations, which included the beach, and the mountains of Horn Creek Family Camp in Colorado. These trips were more than vacations; they were a sacred tradition, a time for Tom to be enveloped by the three things he cherished most—his family, his friends, and his faith. Here, stories were told, bonds were strengthened with friends from all around the country, and love multiplied from one generation to the next. A favorite memory by all was Tom’s baptism in the Horn Creek swimming pool in the summer of 1994.

In Tom's battle with Alzheimer's for the past seven years, his sense of humor sustained all of us. He never let the disease get him down. He willingly participated in research for Alzheimer's for three years in the quest to find a cure.  His example of faith in God's love, and his infectious laughter touched so many and will always be remembered.

As we come together to celebrate Tom's life, we honor the love, laughter, and simple pleasures he brought into our memories. Tom, your absence leaves a void, but your spirit and love remain in our hearts. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of love and faith will continue to live on in each of us.