Thomas Washington Masterson III (“Pops”) died peacefully at home in his sleep on July 12, 2018 in Houston, Texas at the age of 87. Tom is survived by Ann Black Masterson his faithful wife of 66 years; children Marc Masterson of Pittsburgh, Shari (Lucien) Harris of College Station, Drew (Madeline) Masterson of Houston, Thomas Wayne (Kathy) Masterson of San Antonio and William (Carrie) Graves of Houston; and sister Libby (Wayne) Lybecker of Rochester, Michigan; grandchildren Ashley (Alex) Holladay, Laura (Andy) Whalen, James Harris, Drew (Ginny) Masterson, Jr., Alex Masterson, Blake Masterson, Kendall Masterson, Sydney Masterson, Annie Masterson and Will Graves and great grandchildren Lucy Whalen, Henry Whalen, and Hannah Holladay. Tom was born on February 27, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas to Thomas Washington Masterson Jr. and Margaret Stuart Masterson. As a child he had a radio show in San Antonio and was known as “Tommy the Kid Reporter” and recorded shows with the likes of Gene Autry & Roy Rogers. He graduated from Alamo Heights High School and subsequently Southern Methodist University in 1951 with a degree in business administration. He married Ann a week after graduation and enlisted in the Navy where he was posted as an officer on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. Tom witnessed the testing of atomic and hydrogen bombs from the shores of Kwajalein.
Tom and Ann moved to Houston following his military service, where Tom began working for Underwood Neuhaus as a stockbroker. Over the next 29 years, he built the municipal bond department into one of the leading firms in the industry. In 1985, he founded Masterson and Company which later became Masterson Moreland Sauer Whisman, Inc. until his retirement in 1996. Over his career he served as chairman of Municipal Advisory Council in Texas, a board member of the Securities Industry Association, and an inaugural board member and Vice Chair of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. Tom was widely respected in the industry, and he offered financial counsel to numerous municipalities, cities, states and countries throughout his career. He also served as Chair of Disaster Relief for the Houston Red Cross for several years.
As their family grew, Tom and Ann welcomed ten additional international students into their home, setting off an informal multi-generational international exchange with the family of Mario and Irma Grijalva of Los Mochis, Mexico; the exchange expanded to a total of 25 children living internationally and forming deep friendships and loving bonds that have spanned more than 50 years. In 1991 he purchased Falling Waters Ranch, which served as a gathering place for generations of friends and family and provided countless warm memories for all who got to spend time in that beautiful corner of God’s Creation. He was proud of his family’s diverse interests and career paths and supported educational opportunities for all of his children and grandchildren.
Tom enjoyed international travel, scuba diving, gin rummy, blackjack, horseback riding, and often was seen riding his Bobcat on the back acres of his ranch attacking cedar. Tom’s greatest source of joy was his family and his friendships, and he had a strong patriarchal influence on so many people throughout his life. He was a mentor and a friend to many generations who will miss the twinkle in his eye, his sly sense of humor, his sharp mind, his love of sports and competition, as well as his boundless generosity. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, August 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77024. His son, Pastor Tom Masterson, and Pastor Buck Oliphant will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tom’s remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hope Church 18850 Redland Rd., San Antonio, TX 78259 or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend profound gratitude to caregivers Antonia, Marta, Ana, Lori, Laura, and Alfonso for their care, love and dedication in his final months. We are also deeply appreciative of the medical guidance and friendship of Dr. Robert Ezell, Dr. Earl Mangin, Dr. Luis Godoy, Dr. Mario Grijalva and Matt Mahoney.
