Frank Davis Tomson

Passed away February 23, 2025 after 86 years. It is the end of an era.

Frank entered this world in White Bear Lake, Minnesota on December 15, 1938 as the second child/son born to Mary Alice and Coburn Tomson.

In the 1940’s, his family moved to Omaha, Nebraska. There, his leadership skills blossomed, his academic excellence was launched, his athleticism was demonstrated. As a young lad he was a talented athlete across many disciplines – baseball, basketball, ice hockey, football, and swimming. Even as a youngster he demonstrated drive and initiative, with dedication to any and every task, and obligation before him.

It was also in Omaha that his greatest life passion began. Here, the partnership that would last the remainder of his life sprang forth – the moment he first set his eyes upon Joanie Bailey in 1952.

Hard to believe that at 5’10” and 150 pounds soaking wet, FDT was a BMOC, “Big Man on Campus” at Omaha’s Benson High School. He was genuine, humble, determined, respected, and admired. He joined and contributed mightily to the ROTC program at Benson. He also seldom lost eye contact with Joanie.

Upon graduation, Frank headed directly to Lincoln as a proud Nebraska Cornhusker – while Joanie strayed to Wisconsin for a short stint before transferring to the University of Nebraska herself. FDT continued his impactful and difference-making ways. He was initiated as a Phi Delta Theta, later rising to officer, while continuing his ROTC commitments, achieving drill instructor status. A four year letterman as a swimmer, named co-captain his senior year. Frank was also elected by his peers, as president of the coveted “N Club” – a prestigious group of exceptional scholar/athletes.

Joanie and Frank graduated in the spring of 1960 then wed on June 12, 1960. From that day to this, they have always remained true to each other and to their vows; well over 64 years of mutual faithfulness, loyalty, support, and love. Inspirationally uplifting.

Frank continued his commitment to the military, serving in the Army Finance Corp in Indianapolis, Indiana that summer of 1960. At that time, he had also been hired by the IBM Corporation, which allowed him to complete his two-year obligation before beginning a tremendous 32 year career in IBM sales leadership. Throughout those years, Frank achieved numerous promotions resulting in seven major family relocations across the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. This allowed him to successfully serve as a senior executive within all major sales divisions of IBM. In addition, Frank retired from the Army reserves as Captain Tomson. A mighty impressive resume indeed.

Together Joan and Frank lovingly raised three grateful children; Steven William, Michael James, and Anne Elizabeth. The five thrived, united together through travel, adventure, shared victories, and disruptive change given this somewhat nomadic lifestyle – never a dull moment.

Frank enjoyed roughly three decades of retirement in the Austin area Hill Country where activities continued, such as, long distance running, golf, tennis, perfecting his dry wit, boating, snow skiing, socializing, following favorite sports teams, domestic and international travel while loving strongly on their seven beautiful grandchildren – Bailey, Lindsay, Chase (Steve and Tracy Tomson), Kendyl, Karson (Anne and Kerry Cater), Sophie, Tessa (Mike and Michelle Tomson).

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, his brother William Tomson, and most sadly, his magnificent daughter Anne. In addition, it is important to recognize his care for countless canine companions that brought energy, smiles, happiness, and unconditional love to the Tomson households.

This line from a Buffett tune is apropos, “Through 86 years of perpetual motion, if he likes you he’ll smile and he’ll say, oh some of it’s magic and some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way.”

Frank D. Tomson’s 86 years were built upon the foundation of integrity, loyalty, candor, wisdom, humility.

A powerful phrase that Frank would occasionally share; “The world would be a better place if we used four words more often, “I’m sorry” and “thank you”. May his thoughtful guidance carry forward.

Frank frequently said the following to so many of us, so we now return the favor, “FDT, we’re proud of you. You’re a good man Tomson, you done good. We thank and love you deeply.”

Memorial services will be held at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, 7127 Bee Caves Road, Austin.

Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00 am. A reception on premise to immediately follow.

If you are so inclined, instead of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Gathering at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church – by either writing a check to WHPC and in the memo line, write "The Gathering.” Mail checks to The Gathering/ Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, 7127 Bee Caves Road, Austin, Texas 78746 or give at https://onrealm.org/whpc/give/gathering

A memorial service for Frank will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, 7127 Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX 78746.