Thomas James Bashara

Thomas James Bashara, of Buda, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, the 20th of April, 2011 after suffering a brief illness. Thomas was born in Austin, Texas on the 22nd of October, 1962; he attended St. Austin’s School, S.F. Austin High School, the University of Texas at Austin, and graduated from St. Edward’s University. Thomas is survived by his wife, Christine Urbina Bashara and their children Christal Urbina, Cynthia Marie Bashara, Rhouhanna Marie Bashara, Thomas Joseph Bashara, James Michael Bashara, and Phillip Esteban Bashara. He is survived by his mother, Myrtle Lamme Bashara, brother, Joseph Christopher Bashara, Jr. (Mara), sisters, Rose Marie Bashara Karam (Raymond), and Laura Rose Bashara Mery (Michael). Thomas was predeceased by his father, Joseph Christopher Bashara, Sr. Thomas is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and one great-nephew. Thomas worked for the City of Austin over 18 years, presently in the Watershed Protection Department as an Environmental Compliance Specialist, Sr. Thomas was a founding member of Our Lady’s Maronite Parish, and served as Youth Minister, and Religious Education teacher. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, barbequing, and gardening. He liked to restore old houses and he loved working on cars. He was devoted to his immediate family and extended family. He loved to have everyone over for the holidays. Thomas lived out his Christian vocation with true sacrificial love, never waiting to be asked before offering to serve others. His generous and energetic spirit empowered his family and every life he touched. Honoring Thomas as pallbearers will be Elias Karam, Joe Bashara, Jr., Joe Bashara III, Juan Cortez, Damian Duarte, and Murray Boothroyd. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been set up for Tom's wife and children. You can donate via paypal to cmbashara @msn.com. A bank account has also been set up at Chase Bank in Buda. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening, on Sunday, the 24th day of April at Our Lady’s Maronite Catholic Church, 1320 East 51st Street, Austin. The Rosary will be recited at seven o’clock in the evening. The Funeral Mass will be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning, Monday the 25th of April at Our Lady’s Maronite Parish. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The Very Reverend Monsignor Dr. Donald Joseph Sawyer will officiate services. Tributes may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com