OBITUARY
Thomas Carlton Matthews
March 10, 1945 – January 1, 2021
Thomas Carlton Matthews (Tom) passed away at the age of 75 in Houston, TX on January 1, 2021 with his wife by his side. He was born on March 10, 1945 in Houston, TX to Jesse T. and Lois Luper Matthews who both preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 46 ½ years, Karin, and beloved dog, Teddy. Tom earned his BS degree in Mathematics and Computer Science in 1972 from Sam Houston State University, after serving his country in the Military - first in Vietnam, then in Berlin, Germany at the height of the Cold War. It was in Berlin, where he met his wife and best friend, Karin. Their marriage was an incredibly happy one; often they would comment on what a great life they were having. Alas, it turned out being too short. Tom had a long career in sales and marketing for Rotork Controls, an international valve actuation company. His focus was on the oil and gas industry, where he was highly regarded for his knowledge and expertise. In the early years of his career, he was active in the Lions Club, but later had to give that up due to his travel schedule for work. That schedule kept him moving all over the country. He retired permanently in 2016. His leadership, calm demeanor and fine wit will be greatly missed. Tom and Karin traveled some after his retirement, mostly cruising. They enjoyed each day together. When he was home, he would enjoy home life and entertaining friends quite often. Tom and Karin have been living in Houston throughout their married life. It is here that Tom could actively pursue his greatest hobby, amateur radio. His activities ranged from amateur television and portable satellite operations to short wave (HD) contacts on his favorite 17m bands. He was relentless, always adding new software radios and other technology. Tom was the video master for the Annual South Texas Balloon Launch Team’s high-altitude balloon flights. He spent his time editing videos, then creating DVDs which he proudly shared. He loved new technology, which he never quit learning. His key is silent now, but he will not be forgotten. Tom was an exceptional individual. He was kind, loved people, loved to share his knowledge, educate, and interest people in new things. He never had anything bad to say about anybody. He is leaving a great void, which will not only be felt by his wife, but his many friends.
Services
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Visitation
Friday, January 8, 2021
Memories
Thomas Carlton Matthews
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ADD A MEMORYDavid McKenney
January 14, 2021
It was with great sorrow to hear of the passing of another old friend. I recently was thinking of my High School days and cruising down in front of SBSH in Tommy’s 1962 (?) Chevy, with the two-speed PowerGlide transmission. (I’m sure we had passes to be out of class.) We got to know each other through mutual friends and I can still picture him now. It appears that his looks never changed over the years, and from these tributes the person I knew back then also stayed the same. I am sorry that we lost touch after high school while still living in the same area. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
David McKenney
Skip Kuehn
January 12, 2021
Dear Karin,
I am deeply saddened to hear of my dear friend, my mentor. Tom was always there with a smile, a stretched out hand and a sincere interest in knowing how you were doing. Tom was an ultimate professional and he trained all of us to become a close resemblance
of himself.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Tom is saving a place for us.
Skip Kuehn
William Theberge
January 12, 2021
About 20 years ago, I met Tom and Karin. On several occasions they invited me to stay with them during the holidays.
Since that time, we have only kept in touch via email and telephone.
It has been wonderful, over these past years, to share stories of our
dogs, and all the fun things Tom has done with high tech and weather balloons.
Tom will be greatly missed.
Barbara Land
January 9, 2021
I met Tom and Karin almost 40 years ago when Karin and I worked together. He was always such a kind, caring man with a beautiful smile for everyone. One of my favorite memories of Tom was at our wedding rehearsal dinner. I was going to have to walk down a sweeping flight of stairs and was very nervous. Tom took me aside and said" Barbara, don't be nervous, you are going to "swoop gracefully" down those stairs". Many times in life I have remembered Tom's words and told myself to "swoop gracefully" through the storms of life. Heaven gained a sweet angel.
Stacy Everett
January 9, 2021
With Kari & I growing up together, Tom & Karin were an extended part of the Keng family. Tom was always so kind & such a gentleman.
He & Dorothy are gone way too soon. Karin, May the memories of many wonderful & happy years together bring you peace & comfort during this difficult time.
Stacy
Jim Welch
January 8, 2021
Hi Karin,
So sorry to hear about Tom. He is my all time favorite and the most admired salesperson I have ever met. I thoroughly enjoyed making calls and working with Tom because of his professionalism, knowledge and simply pleasant personality. He was humble, gracious and a true gentleman ! The world was a better place with Tom in it and he will be missed.
I wish you the best Karin.
Jim Welch
Ravi Ratnala
January 8, 2021
I met Tom around 3 years ago, after I joined the Balloon Launch Team; I was just brought on to be “the FAA guy.” But shortly thereafter, Tom asked for my help in trying to solve some technical difficulties he was having with his real-time video system. He didn’t ask me because I’m an expert in digital video systems (I’m not), or because he had any problem at all figuring it out himself (he didn’t) – he asked me because I was the new guy, and he wanted me to feel like I was really part of the team. That’s just who Tom was.
As time went on - through other BLT meetings, phone conversations, sharing great food and beverages together, working on our Morse code and various other projects together - Tom and I got to be good friends. Tom’s vote was the deciding one in my decision to go with induction over gas for my kitchen remodel. I told Tom we were going to have Karin and him over for our first large induction-cooked feast when I got it all done. I’m sad that Tom won’t be able to join us for that feast now; I sure hope Karin will still be able to make it.
I’m sad about all the times I won’t get to spend with my good friend Tom now. But even more, I’m thankful for all the great times that I was. I’m especially thankful that I was blessed enough to know him at all.
Godspeed, Tom . . . I’ll see you on the other side.
73 de N5OL
Denise Smith McRoberts
January 8, 2021
Tom was an inspiration to me, always so calm and collective with his thoughts and actions. Some of the greatest things I learned from Tom was patience and humility. He would ask me from time to time how everything was going, and my answer was usually the same. I would tell him no matter how hard I try, that pile of work always seems to get bigger; and he would say, 'Well, it's like a sink full of dirty dishes, it'll all be waiting on you tomorrow'. I appreciated that sense of humor. Tom was thoughtful of others. He knew of my passion for plumerias, gardening and cool places to go for vacation; and he would take the time to cut out newspaper articles when he ran across something he knew would interest me. Tom was special in so many ways, He will always be remembered as The Father of the Rotork Houston family. My deepest sympathies to you, Karin, during this most difficult time.
Sandra Graf
January 8, 2021
I met Tom during my vacations in Texas visiting my best friends Astrid&Thomas ( I'm coming from Berlin/Germany). Karin and Tom invited us together.
I remember Tom all the times friendly, gentle, caring and patient. He explained me everything in slowly english words and in the end in little german words: we are laughing together and I understand the conversation. We are cruising togehter and spend a lot of wonderful time. I'm very thankful to met Tom.
Karin, er war ein wundervoller Mann und ich werde ihn nicht vergessen.
Er wird dich weiterhin auf all deinen Wegen begleiten und beschützen.
Tom wird in unseren Herzen immer weiter leben.
Marty Thomas
January 7, 2021
Tom and I worked together for more than 35 years. I think many of us feel fortunate to have had someone who, while leading by example, could so easily set such gracious behavioral standards and mentor many of us in and out of the workplace.
I have many great memories of shared experiences. I recall a time long ago, when we had taken some customers out for a Catfish style lunch. We were in a rather faraway portion of Texas at the time. When the bill came, neither of us had noticed that the restaurant didn’t take charge cards. We huddled, both checked our wallets, pockets, car seats, cuffs of our pants etc... for cash. While I thrashed around looking for cash, Tom kept his usual calm cool demeanor, smiled mischievously and quietly pulled out that hidden $ 20 bill he kept for just such an occasion. I suspect he may have purposely kept me dangling for just an extra minute or three.
One of my favorite Tom quips: “Please don’t tell my mother I sell valve actuators for a living, she’d be so disappointed, she thinks I’m a piano player in a bawdy house”. So typical Tom.
So long good friend.
Astrid Krahn
January 5, 2021
Tom and my husband met at BLT. I remember when Tom came to our place the very first time to do some "ham stuff". Tom was so excited to learn that we were from Berlin, Germany, like his wife Karin. The first thing he told us was the lovely story of how he and Karin met and fell in love in Berlin. He insisted we get to know each other and so we were invited over. This was the beginning of a deep friendship we're so thankful for.
Tom always had the sweetest words for his beloved wife. He first cared about her, his friends, his dogs and everyone and everything in the best way before he took care about himself. He was a wonderful dialog partner, patient listener and good adviser. He was generous in all matters, he was a true gentleman.
Heaven gained a sweet angel.
Charlie Haynes
January 5, 2021
Tom is and will forever have a place in the genuine friendship bank of so very many of us who had the privilege to know him.
He raised the bar for quality individuals as it relates to both social and professional environments and the void he leaves in both are lofty places attained by a select few. Fortunately for me during and after each satisfying and successful shared experience I tried to convey my sincere gratitude for his assistance and guidance so that there would be no doubt his efforts were recognized and appreciated. May you Rest In Peace, TCM, we keep our memories with you close.
Charlie Haynes
Scott Cunningham
January 5, 2021
I will forever remember Tom as good hearted soul, mentor, friend and a true Texas gentleman. He was always so welcoming and loved good conversation.
Many many times Tom would disappear just before the lunch bill would arrive as he had to make a special trip to Fry's electronic store (and as if they didn't have the same sale every week).
You will be missed Tom. Thank you for all that you are and forever will be.
Your friend,
Scott
charles hill
January 5, 2021
Tom and I both grew up in Houston and were licensed radio amateurs in the early 1960's.
However, we did not meet until I was assigned to the 409th Radio Research Detachment which provided direct signal intelligence support to the 11th Armored Calvary in Viet Nam in 1969. Tom, had already been with the 409th for some time. Sharing a lot of common interests we started a continuing friendship.
In June of 1970 we met up in Sydney, Australia and enjoyed a great performance of the musical Hair.
After returning from our military service we met up in Houston and had many great adventures centered around amateur radio, hunting, model airplanes and balloon launch projects.
Also, we were both the oil and gas and other industries arena. Tom was very well respected as the Houston Leader of the Rotork Company and I worked for a major engineering construction contractor. Often, Tom would help us by providing reliable quick deliver of actuators for our projects.
Tom was a very interesting, straight forward person and I will miss him.
I know his wife, Karin will miss him most of all.
Charley
Chris Warnett
January 5, 2021
Tom will always be remembered by me as a kind and thoughtful colleague. His gentle and considered manner was an example of how a person could conduct both business and pleasure with dignity.
Tom was a natural teacher, many have benefited from his technical tutoring and coaching. It was these skills that made him such a successful communicator.
Everyone that knew Tom describes him as a true gentleman. If he disagreed with something, there would be a gentle cough while Tom gathered his thoughts to tactfully steer the discussion in another direction.
Tom was such good company, a stimulating conversationalist with an easy sense of humor, he will be missed.
Miriam Leiseroff
January 5, 2021
Tom and I met in Berlin, Germany, in 1970 when he was stationed there in the US Armee together with my husband. It was my husband and I who introduced him to Karin, my best friend, whom I have known for over 56 years. Karin and I ended up in the United States due to our marriages, she in Texas, myself in California. We have an incredibly close bond so we feel more like sisters rather than just fiends. Tom was my beloved "brother-in-law" and over the last decades I visited Karin and Tom many times, mostly every year for Thanksgiving. I have the fondest memories of Tom and all times we spent together. He was a kind and gentle man, always there to help. Many times he gave me good advice and support. He was the best friend anyone could ever wish for and I will miss him terribly.
Stephen Burke
January 5, 2021
What a great man. He will be truly missed. His positive energy was infectious and his equal levels of respect towards every person in the room, brought others together.
Dustin McEntire
January 5, 2021
I met Tom when he hired me at Rotork 15 years ago. I was always amazed how well spoken he was and how he really cared about all of the people that worked for him. He really showed me how to be a better person and he will be greatly missed by myself and I know by many others.
Gus Bell
January 5, 2021
Very sad news. Tom was a great man. Our best wishes.
Gus and Carrie
Minette Rangel
January 5, 2021
I was very sad to hear of Tom passing away. He was a very kind and compassionate person. working with Tom he knew I was the one who always conspired to have a little fun in the office now and then, so I requested a NO SOCKS day for the men and it was a big HIT! I will miss you Tom Matthews my prayers are with you.
Howard Williams
January 5, 2021
To me, Tom brings back a flood of memories of good times during our tenure together at Rotork. He and Karin were an integral part of the Rotork family. He was a cool head when the pressure was on and his professional leadership was an inspiration to many of us who were building careers. Apart from hard work, Tom was the guy to sit with at dinner, to enjoy a nice wine together, share stories with and have a good laugh! My thoughts and prayers are with Karin at this sad time. While Tom will be missed, his memory will live on in our hearts as is evident by the many messages already posted.
Derek Olson
January 5, 2021
Tom was the first person I met when I visited Rotork Houston many years ago. I wasn't sure if he worked for Rotork or NASA. His enthusiasm for new technology knew no bounds. A true loss for all.
Hugh Winn
January 5, 2021
Tom will truly be missed by all that had the pleasure of crossing paths with him. I was lucky enough to do just that during my time at Rotork. After every interaction, whether it in person or on the phone; I know I walked away feeling better about myself. That is the kind of person Tom was, a true gentleman and a great human being.
Dom DeBaggis
January 5, 2021
Tom was such a gentlemen, as well as a great Rotork ambassador. I always enjoyed spending time with him during Rotork meetings and have such fond memories from sales meeting visits to Rochester. Condolences to Karin and God bless.
Sean Downing
January 5, 2021
I had the honor and privilege of working with Tom at Rotork. Tom had a calm demeanor about him, no matter how difficult a day you were having after a short conversation things didn’t seem so bad. Tom always eager to share his knowledge and help to make this world a better place.
Frank Koopmans
January 5, 2021
A big shock to get this message!
Tom was in our company THE man to listen to, very experienced and very technical.
Next to that he was always in for a good conversation about any subject, which was great as he was also good listener and "teacher"!
My condoleances to all close around him.
Frank Koopmans
The Netherlands
Nicki (Riddell) Tiffany
January 5, 2021
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind." That sums up Tom for me. Always positive, jovial, helpful, humurous, and especially kind. You will be missed on this Earth, but always in our hearts, Tom. <3
Rob Cavell
January 5, 2021
Lyndy & I have very fond memories of time spent with Tom & Karin at Rotork conferences & when Tom came to the West Coast for business visits. He was always great company & fun to be around, there was never a lack of interesting conversations. There are not enough people like Tom in this world, with his kind, gentle, & generous manner. Tom taught me a lot while working at Rotork & very much helped made working there very enjoyable. He was always willing to share his endless knowledge with us all. Tom will be greatly missed by all of the fortunate people who shared time with him.
Mike Bee
January 5, 2021
Always will remember and cherish Tom. We cruised together with Tom and Karin. He revived my interest in Amateur Radio, got me into the age of DMR, my research source for 3D cameras and turned me onto New Mexican Pork dishes. He was truly an outstanding friend, Ham and BLT supporter. Patty and I will miss him.
Karen Ziegler
January 5, 2021
I am saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him in the very early years at Rotork. I always enjoyed our conversations during his many visits to Rochester, NY from his office in Houston, TX. He was laid back, always had a smile on his face and a true gentleman. Tom will be greatly missed. Karin, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Tom.
Chris Bone
January 5, 2021
Tom was a constant. He would always smile and have kind words to say whenever we met. His ability to share his knowledge and experience to help and support others was remarkable. Tom, it was a privilege to have known you.
Al Germano
January 4, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Tom at ROTORK. I knew Tom as one of the most helpful and gentle sweet souls I have ever met. He was always a true gentleman and served as an example of how to treat other human beings. He was the type of person that you would just do anything for because you knew he always had good intentions. Though I had not seen him in a while I am truly saddened by his passing and will always remember him as an example of how a man should conduct himself.
John Maca
January 4, 2021
Nicest, caring, giving guy you would have ever met. I was fortunate to have known and spent time with Tom over the years, meeting him through ham radio and the South Texas Balloon Launch Team. We travelled together to Granbury, TX for the 2016 Great Plains Super Launch (a geeky balloon thing) and had great time that weekend. We also share the same affliction for IPA beer and I'm going to miss raising a pint of Hopadillo with him at our meetings. A true friend that was taken from us way too soon...
Chris Carlisle
January 4, 2021
Tom was a great man as well as a mentor and “work father” figure in my life. He was always classy and never had a cross word for anyone. Tom’s positive outlook taught me patience as he would say “these things have a way of working themselves out.” I’m happy for him after a wonderful life things worked out too and now Tom’s in a better place.
Michael Hall
January 4, 2021
The world lost one of the good ones with Tom passing. He was always ready to teach and help people learn. That came easy for him with all of the knowledge he possessed. He was kind and thoughtful. I never heard the man say an unkind word. I know that he is in a better place and my thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
Robert Arnold
January 4, 2021
Tom was a one in a million person - kind, patient, smart, loyal, a teacher, a friend, technology leader, great sales person and manager, etc. Lot's of fantastic adjectives and all very true.
I will always remember fondly our customer visits, even difficult ones, especially in the aftermath of a Houston hurricane (borrowed boots from Tom). He was a person you could depend on - no matter what.
We will miss Tom!
Chad Laird
January 4, 2021
Tom was my mentor and friend. He was always available to help and give guidance. He will be missed as he cared for by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Karin.
Pete Kundin
January 4, 2021
Tom was a true gentleman in every way. He was a teacher mentor and the classiest guy I ever knew.
Tom Deupree
January 4, 2021
Tom Matthews was the most gracious gentleman I knew in our professional lives together. He was kind, smart, and a pleasure to be with. I regard him as a special friend and human being. I am so happy that he has passed into a better place where there is no more pain or suffering. May the peace of God be always with him.
Tom Deupree