Thomas C. Mueller

Thomas Carl (Tommy) Mueller, 85, passed away Tuesday, November 2, at Lighthouse Altenheim in Round Rock after a 15-year battle with emphysema, just eight days short of his 86th birthday. Tommy is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Nancy Whitworth Mueller, daughter Kathy Cox and husband John of Austin, son Dan Mueller and wife Bonnie of Plano, grandchildren Mistie Hall (Derek) of Cedar Creek, Matt Mueller (Jennifer) of Cedar Park, Clay Benson (Deanna) of Austin, Lauren Dechiro (Jon) of Austin, and Kymberly Mueller of Plano, and eight great-grandchildren.

Tommy was preceded in death by son Randy, parents John and Ellen Mueller, brothers Johnny and Raymond, and sister Marie Wortham.

Tommy was born at home in rural Travis County, November 10, 1924, just north of present day Allandale. He graduated from Austin High School in 1942. He proudly served for three years in the Army in Europe during WWII. He always referred to this time as his “free trip to Europe.” Tommy and Nancy were married on April 12, 1946, a few weeks after his discharge from the Army. He was employed at the Steck Company for 29 years – starting as stock clerk, then Litho platemaker, then account executive in the Austin and Dallas Steck-Warlick plants. He was co-owner of Texas Lithoprint in Dallas for several years, then returned to Austin as supervisor of DPS print shop and later retired from State Purchasing in 1986.

Tommy’s goal for his children was for them to be honest, patriotic, and active in church work. Tommy worked with the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little League teams, and PTA’s. He pitched for company and church softball teams for years. He is a 50+ year Mason, joining at the Onion Creek Lodge and transferring to the Round Rock Lodge. Tommy and Nancy have always been active members in the neighborhood churches, and he served in many capacities in the churches’ men’s organizations, Sunday Schools, and Official Boards.

The family enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, and Texas Longhorn sports. After retiring, Tommy hunted, had a huge garden, and did woodworking. He and Nancy had season tickets to the Round Rock Express games for years. He was a loving husband and father, and a magnificent Granddad and Great-Granddad.

The family is very grateful to Dr. Jordan Weingarten, Dr. Brian Shimkus, and Dr. Dan Baker for their years of concerned care. Special thanks go to his “42” Buddies – Bob Corey, Fred Ort, Larry Stewart, and the substitutes who played weekly spirited games for seven years. Also, our special thanks go to Lighthouse Hospice for the last nine months of home care provided by the nurses and aides, and to the staff at Altenheim that gave us such support, strength, and comfort during the last few weeks.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Round Rock, or the STARRY Program at Texas Baptist Children’s Home.

Services are Thursday afternoon at First United Methodist Church, Round Rock. Visitation at 1 p.m., service at 2:30 p.m., followed by interment at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks, Pflugerville.

To share memories about Tommy, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com

Arrangements under the direction of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, Pflugerville, TX.