Thomas Towns

With hearts full of both sorrow and exuberant joy, we announce that our beloved son Thomas Monroe Shelby Towns, age 4, ran through gates of Heaven and into the arms of Jesus on the morning of July 21, 2025.

Born on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021, Thomas lived his days as a radiant beam of light—brightening every space with his brilliant smile, fierce spirit, and determined strength. Though his time with us was short, Thomas lived fully, deeply, and joyfully.

Affectionately known by many names—Thomas T, Thom Thom, T-Shel, T-Man—he is the cherished son of Travis and Jera Towns, and a treasured brother to Jameson, Frances, and John. He delighted in the giggles and chaos of family life, especially when he could laugh at them getting into trouble. He loved playing with his cousins, soaking up every ounce of love.

Thomas found joy in the little things that made his world vibrant: the color red, the Cuppycake song, aquatic therapy, and anything involving water. He loved music—especially “Misty Mountains” by Peter Hollens—and quiet moments in the CVI room at therapy, where his world came alive. Watching football with his Papaw or his nurse Rebecca, playing Wordle and the crossword with Mom or watching a movie with Dad were his happiest pastimes.

Thomas was a beloved warrior, journeying bravely through therapy at Big Sky, Footsteps and Handprints, and NAPA. These spaces weren’t just appointments—they were communities that saw, supported, and celebrated his life and accomplishments. We are deeply grateful to his nursing teams who walked with us every step of the way: Montana, Regina, Rebecca, Jason, Sheridan, and Henry.

We give special thanks to the staff and support systems at Dell Children’s Hospital, Children’s Comprehensive Care Clinic and the TBI Warrior Foundation, who carried us through moments we never imagined we’d face.

Thomas received the fullness of the Church’s love through the sacraments: baptized at Texas Children’s, confirmed at St. Louis, anointed at Dell, and receiving both First Communion and Last Rites at St. John’s. His soul was held in holiness throughout every chapter.

Thomas is survived by his loving parents, Travis and Jera; his siblings Jameson, Frances, and John; his grandparents Jerry and Janet Blanchard, and Randy and Debbie Towns; his great-grandparents Lemmie J and Lynda Blanchard, and Jody Wise Black; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was welcomed into eternity by his great-grandparents Bobby and Frances Mansel, Darwood and Geneva Towns, and James Wise.

A life so brief, yet overflowing with meaning, Thomas reminded us all how to love gently, suffer bravely, fight fiercely and rejoice in the smallest of miracles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Saturday, August 2, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 pm with a 7:00 pm rosary Friday, August 1 at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Thomas’s memory to the TBI Warrior Foundation.