Thomas M. Ellis Jr.

Thomas Morgan Ellis, Jr. joined his beloved wife, Jane, in heaven on Sunday afternoon, April 10, 2016, while surrounded by their four loving daughters. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Tom will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

Born July 29, 1930, Tom was the only child of Annie Lee Wisdom and Thomas Morgan Ellis. He grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended Istrouma High School. Tom then earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was there that he met Jane Ming while the two were singing in the Centenary College choir. Jane and Tom enjoyed a loving courtship, a highlight of which was being dubbed the college’s very own “Lady and Gentleman.” They married on March 23, 1951, the same year that Jane graduated with a BA in Education. Tom went on to receive a Masters in Geology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After working as an exploration geologist for 25 years at Chevron, Tom worked at Huffco Petroleum in Houston and formed TJE, Inc.

Tom and Jane passed on their love of music to their four daughters. Tom and his daughters (Jan, Susan, Kathy, and Peggy) sang in the choir under Jane’s direction at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Whether singing around the piano at home, harmonizing in the car on long trips, or being awakened on Sunday mornings by Tom singing enthusiastically to the soundtrack of Brigadoon, the Ellis girls enjoyed many happy, impromptu sing-alongs with their parents. Tom and Jane set an example for their daughters by living lives which revolved not only around music but also around church. They modeled the importance of kindness and service to others.

Over the course of their 62-year marriage, Tom and Jane lived in New Orleans, Louisiana; Walnut Creek, California; Spring, Texas; and Plano, Texas before finally putting down their roots in Katy, Texas. Here, they became members of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church where they were blessed with many dear friends. Tom and Jane were avid supporters of St. Peter’s Choir. Through their involvement with the Heritage Sunday School class, the Care Team and the Disciple Bible Study, Tom became known as the warm and friendly gentleman who always had a smile and kind words for you.

Tom never met a stranger. He loved people and loved visiting with them. Tom and Jane were blessed with many friends, and often enjoyed traveling and cruising with them in their later years. They found great joy in seeing the world together.

Tom lived a very active life and took joy in traveling, hunting, and fishing. He traveled the world on his many hunting trips, going to Africa many times, as well as hunting in Alaska, China, Russia, Argentina, Canada, and Mexico. In 2005, Tom was named Hunter of the Year by the Houston Safari Club.

Tom is survived by treasured loved ones: his daughters, Jan Duncan, Susan Bonora and husband Pete, Kathy Cook and husband Carlton, Peggy Blanton and husband Joel; his grandchildren Scott Duncan, Reid Bonora, Avery Bonora, Chris Blanton and wife Megan, and Connor Cook; and many family members and friends.

There were many individuals who offered tireless support for Tom and his family, especially over the past several years. Tom’s family wishes to thank his physicians, Dr. Sheena Stubbers and Dr. Christie Ballantyne, for their steadfast care and counsel. They also wish to thank Tom’s loving caregivers: Cherry Fuller, Beverly Jarrett, Alma Torres, Maggie Taft, Betty Pepito, Raquel Valdez, Lita Quijada, Mitzy Vazquez, Lupita Liceaga, nurse Becky Lantin, hospice assistant Stacy Collins, and hospice nurse Frank Balo.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six until eight o’clock in the evening on Friday, April 15th, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, April 16th, in the sanctuary of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Boulevard in Katy, where Dr. Pat Sparks, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the nearby Lott Hall.

For those desiring, and in lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Tom’s memory may be directed to the Music Ministry at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, Texas 77450 or to the charity of one’s choice.