Thomas John Lykos Sr.

Thomas John Lykos passed from his earthly existence on September 24, 2017, with the dignity and resolve that typified his life. Tom was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania on March 17, 1923, to Mary and John Lykos, the third son of Greek immigrants from the island of Chios, Greece. At an early age, Tom and his brothers began their careers each morning as “employees” of John Lykos: The Family Outfitter - a company store located outside of the US Steel Mill in Allenport, Pennsylvania. The disciplines learned during the long hours of work at the store were also reflected in the family’s commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the playing fields of the small towns along the Monongahela River near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tom attended the College of Wooster to which he remained a loyal benefactor and where he earned academic honors and athletic distinction as an all-conference football player. His college career was interrupted in 1943 for 33 months upon his enlistment in the US Army where he was trained as a combat medic who served with distinction in India. After the War, he returned to Wooster and graduated with honors in 1948.

In 1949, Tom married Irene Drizos, his wife of 67 years, and the couple returned to Austin, Texas where he was enrolled at the University of Texas School of Law. A recipient of numerous accolades throughout his career, he was proudest of the Award of Law School Prize given to “that member of the Senior class whose scholarship character and devotion to the law gives promise of a most constructive contribution to society and to the development of the law.” Tom and Irene moved to Houston in 1951, the city which they would call home for the remainder of their lives.

His life centered on his family, faith and the law. Lawyers, clients and friends knew him as a dedicated advocate possessing an agile intellect, quick and dry wit, expansive vocabulary and indefatigable work ethic. He mentored several generations of lawyers who recount stories of the salutary impact his rigorous training had on their legal careers and lives. He was as demanding of senior partners as he was of junior associates; he remained a respected role model because he drove himself harder than those around him. His approach to each aspect of his life is found in a favorite recitation: “To whom much has been given, much is required and from the one to whom much has been entrusted even more will be demanded.” His fidelity to his profession was only exceeded by his love of family and devotion to his faith. Tom knew no greater joy than the part he played in the lives and activities of his three grandchildren-Tommy, Helen and Philip-the lights of Irene’s and his lives. A generous man who knew how to throw and attend a party, he reveled in the successes and achievements of his children and their friends who were always welcome in the Lykos home as part of his extended family. He served as President and a board member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in four different decades, as one of the founders of AOS, as a Trustee of the Hellenic College and Holy Cross Theological Seminary and as Chairman of the Greek Festival in its formative years.

Tom was preceded in death by his gracious and loving wife, Irene; his beloved son John Patrick Lykos; his parents; an infant sister, Christina; and his brothers John, Isadore and Nicholas. He is survived by a son Thomas J. Lykos, Jr., his grandchildren Thomas J. Lykos III, Helen Alexandra Lykos, Philip Constantine Lykos, former daughter-in-law, April J. Lykos, his dear sister Christine Sechrist (Carl), sister-in-law Rosemary Lykos (John), niece Patricia Lykos (Bill Allen), nephew Nicholas Lykos (Linda) and their son Nicholas III, brother-in-law Gus Drizos (Katherine), sister-in-law Jean Drizos and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM on Thursday, September 28, 2017, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, with the Trisagion Prayers commencing at 6:30 PM.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 29, 2017, at St. George Orthodox Church, 5311 Mercer Street in Houston. Serving as pallbearers will be Thomas J. Lykos III, David M. Sweeney, Gary Moss, Chris McLaren, Edward Andrews and James Drizos.

The interment will follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in honor of Thomas Lykos may be directed to St. Johns School, 2401 Claremont Lane, Houston Texas, 77019 or Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Boulevard, Houston, Texas, 77006.

At the departure from his only visit to Greece, a relative observed: “We shall not look upon his kind again.”

May his memory be eternal!

Arrangements under the direction of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, Houston, TX.