Samuel Gaston Croom Jr.

Sam G. Croom, Jr. died January 13th in 2024. He was born in Houston on March 25th, 1930 to Sam G. Croom, Sr. and Lola (Whorton) Croom. He was a graduate of Lamar High School, where he played basketball and was a member of the National Honor Society and Ramal Social Club. He also served as President of Arrowhead Senior Honor Society and as president of the Senior Class of 1948.

He attended Texas University where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Social Fraternity and the Texas Cowboys Honorary Service Organization. He graduated with a BBA Degree with Highest Honors in 1952, and was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, national honorary accounting fraternity. His most cherished honor in college was being selected as the outstanding intramural athlete of Delta Tau Delta his senior year.

While at Texas University, he was in the Naval ROTC and was commissioned an Ensign in June 1952 and served on active duty from 1952 to 1954. While in the Navy, he marries his college sweetheart, Earlane Baccus, who remained his wife for 67 years until her death. They had two children, Curtis Baccus Croom, who died of melanoma cancer at age 39, and Carolyn (Croom) Beatty of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by two grandsons, Alexander David Beatty and Scott Mark Beatty; and 4 great-grandchildren, Pierce Beatty, Lane Beatty, Ella Beatty and Harper Beatty; and his sister, Barbara (Croom) Lazarz.

After his Naval service, he enrolled in The University of Texas Law School, where he was a member of the Texas Law Reiver, Chancellors, and the Order of the Coif. Upon graduation, he commenced his practice of law with Baker Botts, LLP in Houston which continued until his retirement as Partner in 1993.

He has been a longtime member of the Houston Racquet Club where he formerly was on the Board of Directors. He has served as a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church and The Second Baptist Church. He also has served as an Advisory Trustee of MO Ranch a Presbyterian Retreat in Hunt, Texas and as a Director of American Automobile Association, Texas and a Trustee of the Open Door Mission of Houston.

A Visitation for Sam will take place from 5-7pm Saturday, January 27 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home located at 7405 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225. The Funeral Service will begin at 2pm Sunday, January 28, also at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam's honor can be made to Camp Stewart Alumni Association (501c3) to sponsor a camper. Checks may be sent to Camp Stewart, 612 FM 1340, Hunt, TX 78024 www.campstewart.com.