Born in Refugio, Texas to W. Franklin Love and Mary Gladys Love, Tom grew up all over south Texas. He graduated from Caldwell High School, received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University and at midlife earned two master’s degrees from Pepperdine University and The University of Texas at Austin.
His career in the U.S. Marine Corps began in 1958 with Officer Cadet School in Quantico, VA. He served as a proud Marine for twenty years with two tours in Vietnam and received a Bronze Star Medal with Valor, among other honors. After his military retirement in 1978 Tom and his late wife, Kris Love, moved to Austin where they became members of St. Luke’s on the Lake Episcopal Church, their church home for many years to come.
Tom spent the next 32 years of his career working in the private sector and in state government agencies, including a ten-year stint at Texas Department of Transportation. He was a skilled facilitator, conducted staff training and development and human resources management, and provided project management consultation. He served as president of the Austin chapters of American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and Project Management Institute (PMI).
Aside from career accomplishments, Tom was first and foremost devoted to his family. He especially delighted in the company of his grandchildren. He was referred to as Papa Tom, Dad, Daddy, Darling Father, Oh Great Father and Your Majesty. (The latter two designations did not catch on as much as he would have liked.)
Tom was known for his loyalty, kindness, generosity and tenacity. Despite life’s hardships, he maintained a positive outlook and charming sense of humor. He devoted himself to mastering the Art of the Nap. His cohorts at the Metropolitan Breakfast Club dubbed him “El Rey de la Siesta.” He loved golf; playing golf, practicing golf, talking golf, watching golf, napping to golf, and accumulating all things golf.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Montenegro; his children, Scott T. Love, Kathryn Love-Thelen, Jon A. Love; his stepchildren, Jason T. Holden, Bess Reavley and Tommy Reavley. In addition, he is survived by their spouses and 11 grandchildren.
The family would like to acknowledge with gratitude the compassionate care Tom received in the last months of life from his Hospice Austin team and his wonderful caregivers Cassie Helton and Umar Jalloh. Thank you to Leonor Peña for making sure Tom got his Fritos and Dr. Pepper when Maria was out.
Memorial Service will be 10:00 am October 30, 2021 at St. Luke’s on The Lake Episcopal Church
5600 Ranch Road 620 N Austin, TX 78732
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78759.
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