Thomas Charles Potempa

Thom was a devoted and loving husband and father of three. Thom’s greatest joys were his beautiful wife and daughters, his garden, his projects to make his home green and eco-friendly, his family and friends, and his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thom's faith in God was deep and abiding. He was deeply committed to his parish community. He had a particular love for youth ministry and had served for some years as youth minister and confirmation teacher at Holy Rosary Church.

Thom is survived by his wife of 28 years, Marcia Potempa; daughters Paula, Mary, and Lilian Potempa; parents Patricia and Louis Potempa; father-in-law Harry Reed of Memphis, TN.

Thom is also survived by his sisters Lisa Vlach of Omaha, NE, Cheryl Perry of The Woodlands, TX; his brothers and sisters-in-law Bill Vlach, David Perry, Anne & Jim West of Memphis, TN; Livvy & Michael Pendergrast of Salt Lake City, UT; Rosland Carter of Memphis, TN and Chip Reed of Evanston, Alberta, Canada. Thom's nieces and nephews include: Melissa & Dan Erdei, Sarah & Joel Franklin, Tim Vlach and Ryan Shillito; Jonathan, Taylor, Emily, and Katie Vlach; Jacquelyne, Kyle, and Ryan Boe, Whitney and Joseph West; Harry and Mimi Helen Pendergrast; Caitlin and Miles Carter, and great-niece Julia Franklin, as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Thom had a brilliant mind. He graduated from Creighton Prep High School in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was a regional math champion, and he received eleven college scholarship offers. He attended Rice University and was awarded his undergraduate degree in 1979, after only three years. He received a Rice University and National Science Foundation Grant and was subsequently awarded his Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Applied Mathematics in 1981 from Rice University. Thom’s thesis regarding advanced oil production recovery techniques led to the start of a successful career as a highly-respected senior technical specialist with several major oil companies in research, exploration and production. Thom was thoroughly and passionately committed to his work. He was known for his brilliance in insightful and broad-ranging analysis and simulation. Thom served with an unwavering commitment to the very highest standards of technical accuracy, intellectual honesty and truthfulness in his profession and in all other aspects of his life. Those who knew Thom know of his deep convictions. At the time of his death, Thom was employed at Shell Oil Company.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, July 25, 2011 between the hours of 6:00 and 8 :00 p.m. at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 6700 Ferris, Bellaire, TX 77401. A funeral mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at Holy Rosary Church, 3600 Travis, Houston, TX 77002. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Heifer International, St. Catherine’s Scholarship Fund, or the charity of your choice.