Thomas Eugene Risher "Tommy"

In the early afternoon on Friday, April 17, 2015 our beloved Tommy quietly took his last peaceful breath and entered into his next life with his loving Father in heaven. Tommy was true to form in thinking of others as he sought to lessen our pain by leaving us far too early. His family, girlfriend and close friends were with him.

Tommy shared his life with and is survived by his brother David Risher and wife Sandra of Austin; his girlfriend Lynn Stender of Lago Vista; nieces Andrea Roberts and husband Dale of Austin, Sara Bradford of Austin; Rebecca Risher of Austin,; grandnephews Nate Roberts and Carter Bradford; grandniece Amelia Roberts; his aunt Geraldine Risher of Austin; his best friend Wayne Simer and wife Barbara; numerous cousins and friends; and his devoted dog, Dottie. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, James and Elaine Risher and his older brother, Robert Risher.

Tommy was born on October 11, 1952, in Freeport, Texas. He graduated from Brazoswood High School in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1971 and Southwest Texas State University in 1975 with a degree in Law Enforcement. He joined the University of Texas Police Department in 1975 and served until 1977 when he was accepted to the Police Academy for the City of Austin. Upon graduation and commissioning he began a long career and devoted his life to protecting and serving the citizens of Austin. He first served in the Patrol Division until he was accepted into the Motors Division which was his labor of love for the next eleven years. He probably would still be in Motors to this day had he been given that choice. He was promoted to Detective and moved to the Juvenile Unit. From there he transferred to the Auto Thief Unit and on to the Family Violence Unit. His last assignment was in the Vehicular Homicide Unit until he decided to retired after twenty nine years of service in the fall of 2006. Well before he retired he began a busy and successful DJ business that really gave him the opportunity to express his inner Elvis. Upon his retirement he worked at Reale’s Italian Café as a part-time manager .

Over the last three months chain emails, Facebook posts and blogs helped communicate to those distant family and friends the frequent updates on his battle with cancer. This was especially important during those times his condition did not allow for visitors. He was always eager to see old friends and fellow officers. Over the last week there was a constant stream of blue visitors, active and retired, as well as high school and college friends. The stories that were shared by each of his friends only reaffirmed what his family already knew. He was a loved and respected officer and person. The common theme was his unlimited capacity to help anyone who asked for it. However, his generosity only somewhat overshadowed his sense of humor. The family was already intimately familiar with his sense of humor as well as his contagious laugh and smile. He always had a joke for any occasion. This talent was inherited from his father. The family will not soon forget the outpouring of love and support given to his family by his fellow brothers and sisters in blue.

Our family expresses their sincere thanks and appreciation to Carlos Rubin de Celis, MD who guided Tommy in his battle with cancer. Tommy demonstrated unyielding courage and his mental toughness and strong will used so often during his police career was always present during his struggle. Unfortunately , the progression of the cancer was more than his physical body could fight. We want to especially thank the nursing staff on the Intermediate Care Unit at St. David’s Medical Center for their professional and excellent care. Their love and compassion to both Tommy and to his family will always be remembered.

A celebration of Tommy’s extraordinary life will be held at Austin Cornerstone Church, 1101 Reinli St., Austin, Texas on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Austin Cops for Charities, www.austincopsforcharities.com, or the charity of choice.