Charles Thomas Wheat

Charles Thomas (Tom) Wheat passed away on December 3, 2023, after several months of declining health. Tom was born in Baytown (then called Goose Creek), Texas on March 16, 1947. His parents were George H. Wheat and Evelyn (Swanson) Wheat.

He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown in 1965. Tom then attended the University of Houston where he received a bachelor's degree in biology with education credits to qualify for a teaching certificate. He taught high school for several years in Tomball, Texas. In 1977 he began employment with Shell Development Company in Houston as a research laboratory technician. He retired from Shell in 1999.

Tom was a member of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church for several years and then he moved his membership to Mission Bend United Methodist Church. He taught Sunday school for many years and became somewhat of a biblical scholar, participating in many seminars and events related to bible study. He became a Stephen Minister and got the education so he could train Stephen Ministers.

Tom was a sports fan, particularly baseball. He followed the Houston Astros closely and could always outline the details of the Astros lineup and which team members were doing well and which were not. He also followed the Houston Oilers closely, particularly during the Bum Phillips era. Tom also loved cats, having cared for at least ten over the years, beginning when he was a child in Baytown. His fondness for cats followed the examples of his mother and grandmother.

Tom was a strong Christian with unshakable faith. He was liked by all who knew him and was always supportive of friends and family. He liked music, played the guitar and traveled around the United States when he had the opportunity. Tom had many interests and read widely in the areas of science and history.

He is survived by cousins on his mother’s side: Richard (Ann) Swanson, Robert (Diane) Swanson and Susan (Tom) Hutchison. On his father’s side: Sharon Carey, George “G. A.” (LaVerne) Arnett, Margaret Arnett, and Bruce (Glauce Dawn) Wheat.

The family wishes to thank caregivers Barbara Hearne and Dorthy Grimes for their kindness, attentiveness and devotion to Tom in his last years. Barbara has cared for Tom and for his mother, Evelyn, for a period of over 20 years. Thanks also to the people at Treemont Health Care Center for their attention to Tom’s health needs.

Services will be at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road in Houston, Texas on December 13, 2023, beginning with a brief visitation at 1:00 pm, followed by a memorial service and graveside service.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions in Tom’s name to Mission Bend United Methodist Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or the Star of Hope.