Thomas "Tom" Joseph Palmeri

Thomas ‘Tom’ Joseph Palmeri went home to his Lord and Savior on January 1, 2021, at the age of 58. Tom was born June 24, 1962, to Sam Michael Palmeri and Joan Margaret Duhr of Waco, TX. Tom attended St. Louis Catholic School, Reicher Catholic High, and finished at Jefferson Moore High School.

He later went on to study Respiratory Therapy at McLennan Community College in Waco, TX. Tom always felt the Lord calling him to serve others and was passionate to begin his career in the medical field. After moving to Dallas, TX, he worked in Respiratory Therapy as a Supervisor, Director, and Therapist for over 34 years at Baylor University Medical Center. Tom worked in the ICU, Trauma Center, Neuro, ER, and was a teacher of CPR for many years. During his career at Baylor, he was well-known by his medical colleagues as a committed Therapist who was devoted to the physical needs of his patients and always took it a step further for the Lord to provide love, hope and prayers for those hurting.

From 1985 to 2006, Tom was blessed with five daughters and one son whom he cherished with all of his heart. In December 2012, Tom married his beloved wife, Katherine Smith, whom he met while serving together at church. Most recently, he was blessed with four sweet grandchildren whom he was so proud of. Tom could regularly be found with his family and friends four wheeling, BBQing, hunting, fishing, setting hog traps or just piddling in the backyard. In Tom’s eyes, a house wasn’t a home without many. He considered it an honor and an act of love and service to entertain and cook for family and friends. No one ever left the Palmeri house hungry.

For over 19 years, Tom served as a dedicated member of Lake Pointe Church. He was involved in many fellowships along the way, helping men and women find a new way of life. Rarely did a day go by that Tom was not gathering with the people of his Life Group to help guide them in their walk with Jesus and simply do life with them. His true legacy lies in his lifetime commitment of educating and leading others to become disciples of Christ. Tom lived his life fully and servantly.

Ephesians 4:12, “To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Tom is survived and celebrated by: Wife: Katherine Smith Palmeri; Mother: Joan Palmeri; Children: Crystal Palmeri, Erica Danna, Gabrielle Seale, Hunter Palmeri, Samantha Palmeri and Faith Resendez; Siblings: Lisa Schilhab, John Palmeri; Son-In-Laws: Andrew Danna, Matthew Seale, Jimmy Taylor; Brother-In-Law: Dwayne Schilhab; Grandsons: Andrew ‘AJ’ and Jack Danna, Denver Seale, and Camden ‘Cam’ Taylor; Niece and Nephews: Emma and Cade Schilhab, and Marcus Palmeri.

He was preceded and loved by his Father, Sam Palmeri.

Tom brought to life one of his greatest visions by co-founding the non profit organization, House of Disciples, ‘HOD’, which reflects his heart and passion to help men become the servants and leaders God has called them to be. In lieu of flowers, his family requests his memory forever be cherished and kept alive by donating to his life’s work.

For Giving Purposes:

Venmo: @hodisciples

Cash App: $HODisciples

Checks Payable to House of Disciple: 4835 Stallcup Drive Mesquite, TX 75150

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

-Matthew 28:18-20