Tommy was born on May 26, 1949 in Baytown, TX to the late Lloyd J. and Elizabeth Kenter Skalak. He is survived by his wife, Dorrissa; Children, Kimberly Fritz (George), Stephani Skalak-Baenziger (Mark), Douglas Skalak (Alicia), Kacie Skalak (Randy), Karie Skalak, Thomas Skalak, Jr., April Skalak, Jeramy Dunn, Heather Dunn (Jarrett); Grandchildren: Patryias, Bryce and Elliot Skalak, Kenna and Devin Rino, Kayne Carriles, Jacob and Joseph Diaz, Kaleigh Diaz Vickery, Thomas Skalak III, Ukiah and Seneca Baenziger, Bradley, Dylan and Peyton Dunn, Chelsea Therrien, Trey Goolsby and 10 great grandchildren. Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd J. and Elizabeth Skalak, brothers Douglas and Jimmy Skalak and grandson, Bryan Thomas Skalak.
He served two tours in the Vietnam War with the Army and once back in the states, found his love for the ocean. Tommy traveled the world as a ship captain navigating a variety of vessels across the seas. He spent hours designing and building boats privately and with manufacturers up and down the Texas Coast, including Shoalwater and Trans Sport Boats. Tommy was a craftsman builder, and not only mastered it himself but shared his knowledge and passion with his sons and grandsons.
If you knew Tommy, you knew a friend. He never met a stranger, had a larger than life personality and was always ready for the next adventure. You would find Tommy looking for his next project, at the deer lease, fishing, or hanging out with Dorrissa on the deck listening to the Astros.
Tommy brought us together and insisted that we appreciate one another. Be patient and take it all in; He left this world infinitely better and had a love for life that was contagious.
“I’ve lived a life that’s full, I traveled each & every highway, and more, much more… I did it, I did it my way,” and yes, you did. Yours was a life well lived my dear, and man oh man, you’re gonna be missed.
