Thomas Allen Thomas

Thomas Allen Thomas, known to many as Tom, Tommy, and --- depending on who you ask --- "Tank Top Tommy," passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the age of 73 in Schertz, Texas.

Tom was born on October 1, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Richard Duane Thomas and Sally Lou Thomas (Reif). He grew up in Michigan and attended Kearsley High School in Flint. Though he completed his formal education there, Tom remained a relentless student of life. Over the years, he taught himself countless trades, including carpentry, welding, electrical work, plumbing, auto mechanics, construction, agriculture, and livestock management—skills he not only mastered but generously passed on to others.

Tom built a life defined by hard work, independence, and an unwavering curiosity about how things worked. He spent much of his career as a welder, contributing to both construction projects and offshore oil rigs, and later worked as a livestock manager. No matter the job, he approached it with grit, skill, and pride.

In his younger years, Tom embraced adventure. He rode his Harley, traveled the country, and lived life fully and freely. As he moved into his middle years, his focus shifted to family. He spent his time raising his children, sharing wisdom in his own quiet way—never through lectures, but through example and experience. Many of those lessons, as his children would later realize, were understood best with time. He built not just a house, but a home, and valued time spent with family and friends—especially those who became family.

In his later years, Tom found his greatest joy in being a grandfather. He was a constant, steady presence—kind, capable, and deeply loved. He also enjoyed tending to his garden, creating something beautiful and abundant from the ground up, and continued building and tinkering, including constructing two gas-powered bicycles.

Tom is survived by his children: Amanda Thomas (Bully Mendiha), Eric Graham, Melissa Favel, Melody Favel (Mikey Buskirk), and Chris Lewis (Amy). He leaves behind a large and loving legacy through his grandchildren—Robert, Jordon, Kennedy, Aubrey, Olivia, Chloe, Emerald, Cadence, Inez, Stevie, Maddie, and Kacey—and his great-grandchildren—Victor, Sophia, Oliver, Stella, Logan, Liam, and Alora. He is also survived by his sister, Lorriane Melton, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly—and a few who are amazed he made it this long.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christy Hicks; his parents, Richard and Sally Thomas; his siblings Richard Thomas II, Ronald Thomas, Timothy Thomas, Terry Thomas, Laurie Kokoszki, and Linda Williamson; and his grandparents.

Tom lived life on his own terms, with humor, resilience, and a spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

In honor of Tom’s generous heart, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the East Side Soup Kitchen, a cause that was close to him. (https://www.eastsidesoupkitchen.org)